Kodai Senga Remains Focused Despite Challenges

PORT ST. LUCIE — Even though the Mets seem to be pushing Kodai Senga to the sidelines, he continues to embrace his role like the team’s leading pitcher.

“The last two years have been tough, both frustrating and mentally challenging,” the right-handed pitcher expressed through an interpreter on Wednesday, coinciding with the start of spring training. “There were times I think I began to doubt myself. But in this game, it’s about performing, and I’m here to do just that.”

Last season was a really rocky time for him, especially after he returned from a hamstring injury. He ended up being sent to Triple-A Syracuse in September after a steep decline in performance.

Yet, he managed to post a solid overall ERA of 3.02, highlighting a strong first half that resembled an ace’s performance.

Due to a series of illnesses, he made only one appearance during the 2024 regular season.

Is there a need for Senga to regain the organization’s trust?

“Honestly, I need to prove to myself that I can pitch an entire season before worrying about how others see my performance,” he reflected. “Once I do that, I suppose it becomes significant to consider outside opinions. So, it’s really about my own confidence at this point.”

The Mets witnessed his best efforts in 2023, where he started 29 games and recorded a 2.98 ERA with 202 strikeouts over 166 1/3 innings.

However, since then, he’s only made 23 starts.

With pitchers like Freddy Peralta and Nolan McLean stepping into higher spots in the rotation, Senga finds himself on a team that also features Sean Manaea, Clay Holmes, and David Peterson.

His decline feels notable, too; the Mets even received a trade offer for him this offseason, despite the fact that he still has $30 million left on his contract over the next two years.

Chiga has expressed a desire to stay with the Mets and made it clear to team officials.

“I can only focus on what’s in my control,” he mentioned. “Until I’m officially traded, my priority is to do my best and return to the Mets ready to give my all.”