DETROIT -- After nearly a decade in the United States, veteran pitcher and former Detroit Tiger Kenta Maeda is preparing for a return to Japan.

Maeda, who has pitched in Triple-A for two organizations since being released by the Tigers earlier this season, told a Tokyo TV program that he intends to sign with a Nippon Professional Baseball club in 2026.

The 37-year-old right-hander signed a two-year, $24 million deal with Detroit before the 2024 season and began the year in the starting rotation. But he was bounced to the bullpen last July after months of inconsistency.

He appeared in just seven games for the Tigers this season before being released, posting a 7.88 ERA over eight innings with six walks, eight strikeouts, three hit batters and two wild pitches.

After the Tigers p

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