Kodai Senga has told the New York Mets he wants to remain with the team for the 2026 season, according to reports. Despite his preference and a limited no-trade clause, the Mets may still explore trading the right-hander this offseason. Senga aims to reestablish himself after injuries and inconsistencies in recent years.
Kodai Senga, the Mets' right-hander, recently informed the organization of his desire to stay in Queens rather than be traded, per Will Sammon of The Athletic. This comes as Senga, who turns 33 in January, has drawn interest from multiple teams viewing him as a buy-low candidate in a pitching market where free-agent starters are not highly regarded.
Senga's contract provides affordability, with $28 million owed over the next two seasons and a club option for 2028. His career stats include a 3.00 ERA and 3.82 FIP across three major league seasons, highlighted by a 3.02 ERA in 22 starts during the 2025 season. As a rookie in 2023, he finished top-10 in Cy Young voting. However, reliability has been an issue: he missed nearly all of 2024 due to shoulder and calf injuries, and in 2025, a hamstring strain sidelined him for a month. Upon return, he posted a 5.90 ERA in nine starts before being optioned to Triple-A Syracuse in early September, followed by time in Port St. Lucie.
Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns described it as 'foolish' to expect Senga to make a full slate of starts in 2025. The team, coming off a disappointing season, has already traded outfielder Brandon Nimmo for infielder Marcus Semien and has second baseman Jeff McNeil on the trading block. The projected rotation includes Senga alongside Nolan McLean, Clay Holmes, Sean Manaea and David Peterson, but the Mets seek a top-of-the-rotation addition.
Senga's ten-team no-trade clause limits his blocking power, potentially allowing a deal to one of 20 other clubs. While his preference to stay adds an obstacle, the Mets' need for rotation impact could still lead to a trade if a suitable offer arises.