The Mets are trying to shake up their starting rotation after a frustrating playoff absence, and one prominent player is reportedly on the trading block.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, right-hander Kodai Senga is “very available,” with multiple executives anticipating a trade of the 32-year-old this offseason.
Senga, who has two years remaining on a five-year, $75 million deal, showed promise when healthy, but injuries have plagued him. He had an impressive rookie season in 2023, starting 29 games, tallying 202 strikeouts, and achieving a 2.98 ERA while being named an All-Star. However, he only played one regular season game in 2024.
His shoulder injury during spring training that year sidelined him for a long time. When he finally returned on July 26, he suffered a calf injury while running off the mound after a pop-up.
Although it seemed like his season could be over, he made a comeback in Game 1 of the National League, pitching in three playoff games but giving up seven runs across five innings.
Senga started 2025 strong, with a 1.47 ERA in his first 13 games, but then he hurt his hamstring while fielding a throw at first base. After returning a month later, his performance declined, leading to a demotion to Triple-A in September.
At the start of the season, the Mets’ pitching was solid, but it fell apart in the latter half. Sean Manaea, who had signed a three-year, $75 million deal after a successful 2024, was out until July due to an oblique strain, managing just 60.2 innings with a 5.64 ERA.
Frankie Montas, on a two-year, $34 million contract, injured his lats during spring training and will be out until June. His performance suffered, resulting in a shift to the bullpen before requiring Tommy John surgery, which will likely keep him sidelined through 2026.
Griffin Canning had been a pleasant surprise, signing a one-year, $4.25 million contract and maintaining a 3.77 ERA, but he tore his Achilles tendon in June.
David Peterson earned his first All-Star nod, starting 21 games with a 2.83 ERA; however, he struggled badly in the last stretch of the season, finishing with an 8.42 ERA in his final nine outings.
Clay Holmes also faced difficulties in his first full season as a starter.
The rotation’s struggles forced the Mets to rely on prospects Nolan McLean, Jonah Tong, and Brandon Sproat in September.
Passan noted that the Mets might also consider free-agent reliever Devin Williams, who had a successful stint with the Brewers but has had a rough year with the Yankees.
