The Mets’ $765 million investment in Juan Soto grabbed all the headlines this offseason, but their 2025 World Series hopes might actually rest on Kodai Senga’s right arm.
New York’s rotation has some serious question marks heading into the season. They’ve lost Luis Severino, likely won’t have Jose Quintana, and their two most notable pitching additions come with significant concerns. Clay Holmes is transitioning from reliever to starter after his Yankees tenure, while Frankie Montas will miss significant time with an injury before making his Mets debut.
That’s why Senga’s return has become so crucial. The Japanese right-hander is entering year three of his five-year, $75 million contract but made just one start in 2024 due to injury. His bounce-back will be pivotal for a team with championship aspirations.
There are promising signs. Senga recently threw live batting practice that had everyone watching closely. He touched 96 mph and was smiling afterward — exactly what the Mets needed to see.
“That’s a good sign,” manager Carlos Mendoza told ESPN’s Jorge Castillo.
Despite losing Montas for the start of the season, the Mets don’t seem interested in adding another significant starter. They’re moving forward with Sean Manaea and Senga at the top, followed by Holmes, David Peterson, Paul Blackburn and Griffin Canning.
On paper, that group doesn’t measure up to what the Dodgers will roll out. But if Senga can recapture his 2023 All-Star form — or even exceed it — this rotation might surprise people.
“He just needs to be healthy,” Mendoza said of Senga. “As long as he’s taking the ball… He doesn’t have to be the hero, feeling like he’s the ace of the staff, because we got some options. And we like those guys at the front end of the rotation.”
