Kenta Maeda knows last season was a disaster. The Detroit Tigers right-hander posted a brutal 6.09 ERA in 2024, struggling as both a starter and reliever. His strikeout rate dropped from 27.3% to 17.1% between 2023 and 2024, and he posted at the bottom 20% of MLB pitchers in expected ERA. At 36, with his velocity dipping as well, and his effectiveness waning, many wondered if his best days were behind him. Maeda, however, had other plans.On the first day of spring training, whispers spread through TigerTown: Maeda’s fastball had come alive once again. A few days later, those whispers turned into confirmation; he was hitting 92 mph in live batting practice. For a pitcher whose fastball averaged just 90.4 mph last season, that small but crucial jump meant everything.Turns out, what the veteran needed was a fresh start – a mindset shift to get the gears going. Maeda spent the offseason completely overhauling his routine. In previous years, he would ease into the season, throwing just a bullpen or two before spring training. This time, he fired off eight bullpen sessions in Japan before even stepping foot in Florida. By the time he arrived at camp, he wasn’t just getting ready – he was ready.The extra work paid off immediately. His fastball has more bite, making his devastating pitches even tougher to track. “Yeah, I throw fast now,” Maeda admitted with a grin, according to Evan Petzold of Detroit Tigers press. “Not quite 99 in numbers, but mentally, I’m throwing that hard.” This isn’t just talk.His manager, A.J. Hinch has taken notice. “He’s come here to prove something,” Hinch said, and continued, “And he’s off to a good start.” Maeda’s mission is clear: reclaim a spot in Detroit’s rotation. With Alex Cobb sidelined at the start the season, an opportunity has indeed opened up. Talk about the pieces falling into place. The Tigers will want to see if Maeda can still hold his own as a starter, and his spring performances will determine if he’s up for the challenge.For Maeda, regaining that extra tick of velocity isn’t just about throwing harder; it’s about keeping hitters honest. Without a respectable fastball, his off-speed pitches had become far easier to lay off. “I’ve been a starter my whole career,” Maeda said. “I take pride in that. I have to show I belong.” And now, Maeda is doing just that. The Tigers’ first spring training game will give him the stage to prove that 2024 was an aberration, not the beginning of the end.Can Kenta Maeda help lead the Detroit Tigers to October?The Tigers are banking heavily on Kenta Maeda’s comeback to boost their 2025 playoff chances. And he looks poised to deliver. Maeda’s increased fastball speed of up to 92 mph this year (from 86 mph) enhances the effectiveness of his splitter and slider pitches—a key element in his previous achievements. If he continues to perform and regain his form from 2023 with an ERA of 3.36 over 17 games, he could offer valuable consistency to complement Tarik Skubal and Jack Flaherty effectively.However, Maeda isn’t the only factor determining Detroit’s playoff chances. The Tigers also require reliability from their pitching staff and bullpen to avoid late-game meltdowns and a lineup capable of providing run support. But a dependable Maeda gives them depth and flexibility, whether in a starting or swingman role. If he can pitch deep into games, limit home runs (21 allowed in 2024), and maintain his strikeout efficiency, the Tigers will have a better shot at competing in a wide-open AL Central.Ultimately Maeda’s improved skills and higher practice time indicate that he might have an impact on the Tigers team. Now it’s his responsibility to demonstrate that his comeback is genuine when it truly counts. The post “I Throw Fast Now”: Tigers Veteran Opens Up on His 2025 Return After Having the Worst Season of His Life appeared first on EssentiallySports.