Confident Kodai Senga looks strong in first start: 'I still have a lot to prove'

After injuries and issues with mechanics limited the Mets starter in 2024 and 2025, Senga was impressive in his Grapefruit League debut.

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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Kodai Senga, the New York Mets pitcher, had an impressive Grapefruit League debut on Saturday, throwing a 97.8 mph fastball for his first pitch and hitting 98.9 mph in the first inning. This is a positive sign for Senga, who has battled injuries and inconsistency since his excellent rookie season in 2023. Despite giving up a pair of solo home runs, Senga expressed confidence in his performance and the progress he has made in the offseason to improve his mechanics.

Why it matters

Senga's strong performance in his first spring training start is an encouraging sign for the Mets, who have been relying on him heavily in the past two seasons. With the acquisition of Freddy Peralta and the development of Nolan McLean, the Mets' rotation has more depth, but a healthy and productive Senga can still be an impactful arm for the team, potentially earning Cy Young votes like he did in 2023.

The details

Senga threw 50 pitches over 2 2/3 innings on Saturday, allowing two solo home runs. Despite the home runs, Senga expressed confidence in his performance, saying he was able to work on the things he wanted to improve from last year. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza also noted that Senga is throwing the ball differently compared to the past two years, with more intensity and better mechanics.

  • Senga's excellent rookie season was in 2023.
  • In 2024, a spring shoulder injury and subsequent calf injury limited Senga to just one regular-season start.
  • After a strong start to the 2025 season, a hamstring injury interrupted Senga's progress.
  • Senga was trying to find his mechanics in Triple-A while the Mets were making their final push for the playoffs in 2025.

The players

Kodai Senga

A pitcher for the New York Mets who had an excellent rookie season in 2023 but has since battled injuries and inconsistency.

Carlos Mendoza

The manager of the New York Mets, who has noted a difference in Senga's performance and demeanor this spring compared to the past two years.

Freddy Peralta

A pitcher acquired by the Mets, who has helped add depth to the team's rotation.

Nolan McLean

A pitcher in the Mets' organization who has been developing, further adding to the team's rotation depth.

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What they’re saying

“I feel really good; I have felt really good. I was able to attack all the things I wanted to work on from last year, and I think that's flourishing now.”

— Kodai Senga (New York Times)

“Really good signs. We've seen it from the very beginning (of camp). It's not what I've seen in the two years I've been here. He's healthy. You can see it now.”

— Carlos Mendoza, Manager (New York Times)

“In this industry, you either do or you don't. You perform or you don't. I haven't proven anything while I'm over here, and I still have a lot to prove. I think I was able to spend a really good and productive offseason, and here I am.”

— Kodai Senga (New York Times)

What’s next

The Mets will continue to monitor Senga's progress throughout the remainder of spring training as they prepare for the upcoming season.

The takeaway

Kodai Senga's strong performance in his Grapefruit League debut is a positive sign for the Mets, who are hoping he can stay healthy and productive after dealing with injuries and inconsistency in the past two seasons. If Senga can maintain this level of play, he could be a key contributor to the Mets' rotation and potentially earn Cy Young consideration once again.