NY Mets Are Betting Big on Kodai Senga’s Return in 2025
The New York Mets made several moves to improve their starting rotation this offseason, but when you take a closer look at the roster changes, one thing becomes clear: Kodai Senga is at the heart of their 2025 plans. With key additions like Frankie Montas and Clay Holmes to the rotation, it’s evident that the Mets are expecting a major contribution from Senga in the upcoming season.
Mets’ Rotation Additions and Bet on Senga
The Mets made a series of new acquisitions, but not all of them are likely to make an immediate, significant impact. Frankie Montas, for instance, may not provide more than what Luis Severino already brings to the table. Clay Holmes, expected to transition into a starting role, is a gamble compared to bringing back someone like Jose Quintana, who provided consistent innings. Yet, despite the focus on these newcomers, the real star of the 2025 rotation could be Kodai Senga.
While the Mets had to contend with Senga’s injury struggles during the 2024 season, it’s essential to remember his exceptional performance in 2023. Before injuries hindered his season, Senga posted an impressive 2.98 ERA, a K/9 rate of 10.93, and a solid 3.63 FIP. These numbers were on par with some of the top aces in MLB, including Corbin Burnes and Max Fried. The Mets are essentially betting that Senga’s return will provide the same level of production they would expect from a premier ace.
Kodai Senga’s Return: A Major Boost for the Mets
For the Mets, Kodai Senga’s return is essentially like acquiring an elite ace for the 2025 rotation. The numbers he posted in 2023 suggest he can be a game-changer for the team, and they are counting on him to step up and deliver in a way that mimics the top-tier pitchers of the league. With Senga joining the rotation, the Mets won’t need to chase after high-cost acquisitions like Burnes or Fried, because they believe they already have a pitcher of that caliber in Senga.
Health and Expectations for 2025
The setbacks that Kodai Senga experienced with injuries during the 2024 season are unfortunate, but they don’t appear to be of a chronic or degenerative nature. The Mets are optimistic that his health issues will be a thing of the past and that Senga will be ready for a full season in 2025. Given the nature of these injuries, there’s no reason to expect them to affect Senga’s performance moving forward, and his return will likely be one of the most significant factors in the Mets’ rotation.
A Big Gamble on Senga
Despite the Mets’ offseason moves to strengthen their rotation, the team did not pursue a true ace this offseason. Instead, they are betting big on Kodai Senga as their key to success in 2025. The Mets’ front office believes that the pitcher they already have can be a top-of-the-rotation asset, and they are expecting him to shine next season. If Senga lives up to his potential, the Mets could hit the jackpot with this bold decision.
In conclusion, the New York Mets are making a significant investment in Kodai Senga’s future and their 2025 season. His ability to return to form after an injury-plagued 2024 season could very well be the key to the Mets’ success in the coming year. With high hopes for Senga’s performance, the Mets have bet the house on him and are counting on a standout year from their Japanese star. Kodai Senga’s return to full health could be the missing piece in the Mets’ rotation that propels them toward a successful 2025 season.
