The New York Mets have decided to experiment with Kodai Senga in a new bullpen role following the trade of several relievers ahead of the deadline. This shift comes as the team looks for effective arms for late-game situations.
Senga, who turned 33 this year, signed a five-year, $75 million contract with the Mets in December 2022, largely based on his successful tenure in Japan. In his first season, he made 29 starts, achieving a 2.98 ERA, a 29.1% strikeout rate, and a 44.7% ground ball rate. However, his performance took a major downturn due to a series of injuries that plagued his next two seasons.
The 2024 season was a wash for Senga, sidelined by a shoulder capsule strain that began in spring training, and he didn't return until July. His comeback efforts were hampered further by a calf strain, limiting him to just one regular-season appearance. While 2025 started off without issue, he struggled after the All-Star break, posting a staggering 6.56 ERA in eight starts, leading to an option to the minors.
In early 2026, the Mets gave Senga another shot at the rotation, but he faltered, allowing 20 earned runs in 20 innings over five starts before landing on the injured list again due to lumbar spinal inflammation. After returning in June, his performance remained unimpressive, resulting in a move to the bullpen for long relief.
With the trade deadline approaching, the Mets moved on from established relievers Luke Weaver, Brooks Raley, and Huascar Brazobán, creating openings in their bullpen. Surviving reliever Devin Williams remains, but the need for additional setup options has prompted the team to look at Senga's potential as a reliever.
The Mets plan to harness Senga's six-pitch arsenal, specifically leaning on his four-seam fastball and forkball to evaluate his efficacy in high-leverage situations. Historically, his four-seamer averaged around 96 mph, and there’s often an uptick in velocity when pitchers move to shorter outings. Interim manager Andy Green acknowledged the potential, stating, “I do think in his right arm is 100 miles an hour and a nasty forkball, and that profile plays for a late-inning reliever.”
Despite the transition, Senga expressed his desire to remain a starter but understands the team's decision-making process. “Whatever role is given to me, I’m going to throw in that role — regardless of what I say,” he remarked through an interpreter. This resignation underscores how performance statistics impact roster decisions.
The transition began on a recent Tuesday night’s game against the Guardians, where Senga was given the ball during a 6-2 lead. He managed to close the game by getting Steven Kwan to ground out, walking Jo Adell, and securing the final outs against Chase DeLauter and Nathaniel Lowe.
As Senga navigates this new role, his performance could influence the Mets’ offseason strategy. He's still under contract for another year at $14 million, a significant sum for a reliever with variable past performances. Should he excel in these late-game situations, he could generate trade interest, even if the Mets might have to eat some of his salary to facilitate a deal.
The Mets have also seen turnover in their rotation, especially after trading Freddy Peralta to the Rays. New addition Robert Stock pitched five innings and allowed one run in his initial start for the club. Green has indicated that Stock will be allowed multiple opportunities to prove himself, stating, “Not committed to anything beyond that…a four-day commitment feels pretty good.”
Stock, at 36, adds depth to a rotation that is in flux, with the Mets also having prospects like Jonah Tong, Tobias Myers, Jack Wenninger, and Jonathan Santucci waiting in Triple-A. It's clear that while the Mets are trying to salvage their current season, they're also laying groundwork for the future.
As this season unfolds, it will be intriguing to see how Senga adapts to his new role and whether the Mets can extract value from their misfortunes, ultimately looking toward the 2027 season.
Photo courtesy of David Richard, Imagn Images