The Troubles of Kodai Senga

For a good portion of the 2025 season, Mets’ fans had lots of negative things to say about Juan Soto. When you get paid $765 million dollars and your average with runners in scoring position is under .200 (until recently), expect to hear a lot of boos. However, Soto’s resurgence has put him in the good graces of the Flushing Faithful with nary a middle finger directed his way. However, one pitcher seems to have taken the high priced outfielder’s place as the subject of Mets’ fans’ ire. It’s not quite the Yankees’ Anthony Volpe level of discontent but it is getting close to the Soto range.

Kodai Senga has some real problems.

It was only two short years ago that Senga finished second in the National League Rookie of the Year voting to Corbin Carroll. Since then, it’s been one big disappointment. Injuries limited him to one regular season start and three playoff outings in 2024, with each appearance memorable in a truly bad way. His only regular season start on July 26th ended with him limping off the mound with a calf injury. His three playoff games resulted in seven runs surrendered in only five innings. Senga’s overall 3.02 ERA in 2025 is solid but since his June 12 outing of 5 2/3 shutout innings, he has been dreadful. His ERA has nearly doubled and he has had all kinds of problems getting through five innings. The booing is becoming more intense as Matthew found out this past Sunday as he was at Citi Field for the latest less than stellar performance.

Now comes a report that the Mets are considering having Senga make his next start at Triple A Syracuse. This would be a seismic drop for a highly touted Japanese import who enjoyed much early success. If the Mets make the playoffs, can’t you envision Senga being left off the playoff roster? In the Wild Card round, your three starters would be Nolan McLean, David Peterson and a combination of Clay Holmes and Sean Manaea. Throw in the fact that Jonah Tong had a great first start and another youngster, Brandon Sproat could be promoted soon, and there is the possibility Senga may not throw a pitch in October. With three years left on his contract, the Mets will have to decide if Kodai Senga will be part of their future or trade him at a discount.

Author: Tom Lynch

Family is everything to me. Baseball is a close second. What better way to combine my two favorite passions than to write about them! My three children each have a different baseball team, hence the title, "Three Unassisted". I write about not only my thoughts but also the musings of Ryan (Yankees), Caitlyn (Phillies) and Matthew (Mets). I may have grown up a Yankees fan but since family is greater than ball, I also root for the Phillies and Mets. I love talking about my kids. I love talking about baseball. That lethal combination will keep you coming back for more. Happy reading! View all posts by Tom Lynch