Mets’ Kodai Senga Drawing Trade Interest After Up-and-Down Season

The New York Mets entered 2025 with postseason aspirations and a rotation built to compete in the National League East. Instead, inconsistency on the mound became one of the defining factors behind their disappointing campaign. Injuries, uneven performances, and lack of depth down the stretch derailed their push for October, leading to a winter of reevaluation across the pitching staff.

One of the most intriguing situations involves right-hander Kodai Senga. Despite an uneven season marked by injury and struggles late in the year, Senga has reportedly drawn trade interest from several teams, according to The Athletic’s Will Sammon. The 32-year-old is viewed by some front offices as a “buy-low” opportunity — a pitcher with proven upside who may benefit from a change of scenery.

Senga’s 2025 season featured flashes of the ace-level form he showed in his rookie year but also long stretches of frustration. He missed time due to a hamstring strain and was later demoted to Triple-A to work on his mechanics after posting a 6.06 ERA over his final seven starts. His performance left the Mets facing a difficult decision: hold onto him as a bounce-back candidate or explore trade scenarios to reshape the rotation.

With the Mets expected to be active this offseason under president of baseball operations David Stearns, Senga’s future is likely to be a central storyline in the weeks ahead. The team’s willingness to move him could depend on the strength of outside offers and how confident they are in his recovery and adjustments.

1. Trade Interest and Market Value

Despite finishing the season in Triple-A, Senga’s track record continues to make him an appealing target for pitching-hungry clubs. Across 22 starts in 2025, he went 7–6 with a 3.02 ERA — respectable overall numbers that mask the volatility of his second half. League sources told The Athletic that multiple teams have expressed interest, viewing Senga’s downturn as temporary rather than terminal. From a financial standpoint, Senga’s contract adds to the intrigue. He is owed $28 million over the next two seasons, with a club option for 2028. In a market where frontline starters command significantly higher salaries, that figure represents potential value if he can regain form. For a team seeking mid-rotation stability or upside without long-term risk, Senga fits neatly into that profile. However, his performance metrics show areas of concern. According to Baseball Savant, he ranked in the 29th percentile in Pitching Run Value, suggesting that while his raw numbers looked solid, underlying effectiveness lagged behind. His second-half decline — capped by a 6.56 ERA in his final eight starts — underscored the inconsistency that frustrated both the Mets and their fans. Senga’s contract also features a modified no-trade clause that allows him to block deals to 10 teams, a shift from the full protection he held last season. That gives him limited control over his destination and could influence which clubs pursue him most aggressively this winter.

2. Balancing Risk, Reward, and Rotation Depth

For the Mets, Senga represents both a potential rebound asset and a trade chip with uncertain value. His 2023 rookie season showed what he’s capable of — a 12–7 record, a 2.98 ERA, and a top-10 Cy Young finish. But in the two seasons since, durability and mechanics have become recurring challenges. Evaluators describe him as meticulous with his delivery, a trait that, while admirable, can complicate adjustments when form slips. Still, when healthy and in rhythm, Senga’s “ghost fork” and command mix remain effective against big league hitters. The question for the Mets is whether they see enough reliability to justify another year of investment or whether dealing him could expedite the club’s larger retooling efforts. New York’s rotation picture remains fluid. With multiple open spots and financial flexibility, the Mets are expected to pursue reinforcements through free agency or trades. If they can secure a dependable starter elsewhere, moving Senga could create both roster space and budget relief for additional acquisitions. Ultimately, the decision hinges on the organization’s risk tolerance. Trading Senga now could mean selling low after a difficult season — but keeping him carries its own uncertainty, especially if health issues resurface. Either way, the Mets must weigh immediate competitiveness against long-term stability.

3. What Comes Next

As winter meetings approach, Senga’s name is expected to remain in trade discussions. Teams looking for affordable pitching depth with upside are monitoring his situation closely, while the Mets evaluate how his market value fits into their broader plans. For an organization under pressure to rebound, every rotation decision carries heightened significance. If the Mets hold onto Senga, they’ll likely bank on a rebound and improved health under new pitching leadership. If they trade him, it could signal a more aggressive reshaping of the roster around younger arms and free-agent additions. Either scenario will reveal how the front office views its competitive timeline. The next few weeks will be pivotal not only for Senga but for the Mets’ offseason trajectory. How the club handles one of its most complex pitching situations could set the tone for its approach to the rest of the winter. For Senga himself, a fresh start might offer the reset he needs after a turbulent 2025. But if the Mets believe his best form is still within reach, he could remain a key piece of their bounce-back hopes in 2026.