Mets' Kodai Senga Aims to Shed Enigma Label in 2026

The key for the right-hander is to stay healthy and recapture his first-half form from 2025.

Mar. 6, 2026 at 2:06am

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As the Mets' rotation takes shape this spring, the focus is on pitcher Kodai Senga and whether he can regain the dominant form he displayed for much of the first half of the 2025 season before suffering a hamstring injury. Senga has looked and felt good in the early part of spring training, but the key will be for him to stay healthy and avoid the injury issues that plagued him for the latter part of 2025 and almost all of 2024.

Why it matters

Senga's performance is crucial for the Mets, as he has the potential to be a force in their rotation if he can stay on the field. The team is hoping he can recapture the form that had him leading the majors in ERA for much of the first half of 2025 before the injury.

The details

Senga, a right-hander, was leading the majors with a 1.47 ERA for most of the first half of the 2025 season before suffering a hamstring injury while catching a high throw from Pete Alonso at first base. He struggled with injuries for the rest of 2025 and almost all of 2024, and the Mets are hoping he can stay healthy and regain that dominant form in 2026.

  • Senga was leading the majors with a 1.47 ERA for most of the first half of the 2025 season.
  • Senga suffered a hamstring injury while catching a high throw from Pete Alonso at first base in 2025.

The players

Kodai Senga

A right-handed pitcher for the New York Mets who has the potential to be a dominant force in their rotation if he can stay healthy.

Pete Alonso

The first baseman for the New York Mets who threw a high throw that led to Senga's hamstring injury in 2025.

Sean Manaea

A left-handed pitcher for the New York Mets who is looking to bounce back from a rough 2025 season.

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What’s next

The Mets will be closely monitoring Senga's progress throughout spring training as he looks to regain his form and stay healthy for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Senga's ability to stay healthy and recapture his dominant first-half form from 2025 will be crucial for the Mets' success in 2026. If he can do so, he has the potential to be a key piece of their rotation and help the team contend for a playoff spot.