Kodai Senga's Future with the Mets: A Complex Decision
Kodai Senga, the Mets' right-hander, has expressed his preference to remain with the team in 2026, according to a report by Will Sammon of The Athletic. However, the Mets might still consider trading him this offseason due to his contract's no-trade clause, which limits his say over potential trades.
Senga, 33, is a known trade candidate and has drawn interest from rival organizations. His appeal lies in his solid performance, with a 3.00 ERA and 3.82 FIP across three seasons in the majors, and a 3.02 ERA in 22 starts this past season. The affordable contract, worth $28MM over two years, makes him an attractive option for teams.
However, the Mets' interest in trading Senga is not without reason. He has been unreliable during his time in Queens, missing nearly the entire 2024 season due to injuries and posting a 5.90 ERA in nine starts after returning in 2025. The Mets' president of baseball operations, David Stearns, called it "foolish" to rely on Senga for a full slate of starts. This suggests that Senga's issues may worsen as he ages, and the Mets might prefer a more reliable free agent or trade acquisition.
The Mets have already made significant changes this offseason, trading Brandon Nimmo and potentially Jeff McNeil. The team's disappointing 2025 season indicates a desire for a fresh start. Senga's no-trade list is unknown, but if the Mets are determined to move on, they can explore deals with teams outside of Senga's list.
However, the Mets' hesitation to trade Senga for an underwhelming return cannot be ruled out. The team's top prospects, Nolan McLean, Clay Holmes, Sean Manaea, and David Peterson, could be considered as alternatives to Senga. Trading one of these prospects might be a plausible solution, but it would likely bring in a weaker return compared to Senga.
The Mets' decision regarding Senga's future is complex, considering his performance, injuries, and the team's need for reliable impact talent. The final outcome will depend on the specifics of his no-trade list and the Mets' strategic moves in the upcoming season.
