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The New York Mets need quick results, and patience may run short for a team that fell short in 2025. It's no secret that one of the players they're counting on to deliver positive outcomes is Kodai Senga, who remains a complete unknown at this point.
The Japanese pitcher could rediscover his best version-that would be the biggest news possible for the franchise-though nothing is guaranteed in MLB.
Pressure is already mounting on Kodai Senga within the Mets
In 2023, he was a true ace: 12-7 record, 2.98 ERA, and 202 strikeouts in 166.2 innings. It was his rookie season, and Mets fans believed they had genuinely found their No. 1 starter.
Then came 2024 and 2025, when injuries severely hampered his performance and he failed to step up in high-pressure moments. The big question now is whether the 2023 version of Senga will return.
In an article published on February 15, the new pitching coachJustin Willard spoke about Kodai Senga, saying that "his best version is that of a power pitcher."
From Willard's perspective, it's essential for the right-hander to command the velocity of his fastball and have his forkball work off that foundation.
His coach expects Senga not only to hold a spot in the starting rotation but to grow into a bigger role within the New York Mets-something that might be asking a lot from a 33-year-old pitcher coming off two poor seasons.
In the end, Senga was an intriguing trade chip, but that deal never materialized. Now he could become a high-stakes gamble for the Mets-one that could define their 2026 season for better or worse.