New York Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns announced Kodai Senga will prepare as a starting pitcher for the 2027 season during the General Manager Meetings in Las Vegas.
Here is why that matters for the franchise: multiple teams have expressed trade interest in the right-hander, Yahoo Sports reported. Stearns told reporters that Senga will use the upcoming offseason and spring training to make the transition back to the rotation.
The thirty-three-year-old right-hander has experienced a fluctuating career with the Mets. He delivered a stellar rookie campaign, which was followed by two injury-plagued seasons, and then this year’s bullpen transition.
Senga was demoted to the bullpen mid-season in 2026 and excelled in his new relief role. When he is on, his signature forkball remains one of the most electric pitches in baseball, though he has battled walk and home run issues when struggling.
He currently has one year and $14 million left on his contract, accompanied by a club option for the 2028 season. But there is a catch regarding the team’s pitching depth.
Mets Rotation Faces Uncertainty Amid Pitching Upgrades
The Mets’ 2027 rotation is currently in flux. Veterans like Senga and Sean Manaea remain under contract, while Tylor Megill continues recovering from Tommy John surgery.
A quartet of young starters consisting of Nolan McLean, Christian Scott, Zac Thornton, and Jonah Tong are also vying for rotation spots. With the organization reportedly interested in upgrading their starting pitching—including a planned meeting with Tarik Skubal—management will likely look to unload a veteran starter.
| Player | Status / Contract Details | 2026 Role |
|---|---|---|
| Kodai Senga | 1 year, $14M left (2028 club option) | Bullpen (mid-season transition) |
| Sean Manaea | Under contract | Starting Rotation |
| Tylor Megill | Recovering from Tommy John surgery | Injured List / Rehab |
As the offseason gathers momentum in Las Vegas, the path forward for Senga will depend heavily on whether trade discussions yield an acceptable deal for the front office.
