The New York Mets are preparing for the 2026 season with high hopes following several key roster moves made during the offseason. One player drawing attention is Kodai Senga, who, despite trade rumors and a difficult end to 2025 caused by injury, remains with the team and is focused on proving himself as a reliable part of the Mets’ pitching lineup.
Kodai Senga Prioritizes Staying Healthy for Upcoming Season
Like most players entering a new MLB season, Kodai Senga’s primary goal is to avoid injury and maintain his physical condition. Speaking to reporters as pitchers and catchers reported on Wednesday, Senga responded with a succinct mantra when asked about his objectives for 2026:
To not get injured.
While this is an understandable wish, it carries significant weight given Senga’s recent health struggles. The Mets already have a substantial investment in Senga, who signed a five-year, $73 million contract before making his MLB debut. That deal looked exceptionally valuable after his strong 2023 campaign but was jeopardized by injuries that restricted him to just two starts in 2024, with no appearances at all last September.
Senga’s Role Within Mets’ Pitching Rotation Remains Crucial
Assuming he stays healthy and the Mets avoid trading him, Kodai Senga is expected to be a vital component of New York’s starting rotation. Freddy Peralta leads the staff as the ace, supported by Clay Holmes and David Peterson. Behind them, the rotation includes young arms like Nolan McLean, who has evidently earned a rotation spot, along with Senga, likely slotting in as a fourth or fifth starter.
During the 2025 season, Senga made 22 starts, finishing with a 3.02 ERA over 113.2 innings pitched. However, his August performance was troublesome, surrendering 19 earned runs over six starts, which was followed by a demotion to Triple-A Syracuse to work through a lingering calf injury. This injury prevented him from pitching throughout September and contributed to uneven results down the stretch.
Meanwhile, the Mets have shown interest in converting Tobias Myers, acquired in the trade for Peralta, into a starting pitcher. This development could intensify competition for rotation spots, increasing the pressure on Senga to deliver consistent performances or risk being edged out of the team’s plans.
Outlook for Senga and the Mets’ 2026 Campaign
Kodai Senga’s ability to remain healthy and perform reliably will be a significant factor in the Mets’ hopes for the 2026 season. After a promising start to his MLB career, injuries and inconsistent performances have cast doubt on his role, making this season pivotal for his future with the club. As the Mets rely heavily on their pitching staff, the coaching staff and front office will be closely monitoring Senga’s progress alongside emerging talents like Nolan McLean and the adaptation of Tobias Myers. The unfolding dynamics within the rotation will influence not only individual player futures but also the team’s overall competitiveness in an ambitious campaign.
Kodai Senga was asked if he has any goals coming into spring training:
"To not get injured." pic.twitter.com/aNRfMoesTd
— SNY (@SNYtv) February 11, 2026
