Mets View Kodai Senga as Key Part of 2026 Rotation Despite Recent Struggles

New York Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns stated that Kodai Senga is currently viewed as a part of the team's 2026 starting rotation, despite missing nearly all of 2024 due to injury and struggling in the latter half of 2025. Senga, who made 22 starts in 2025, showed ace-like form early but suffered a hamstring injury in June and was sent to the minor leagues in September. Stearns acknowledged Senga's struggles but emphasized his proven talent and the team's commitment to giving him every opportunity for a bounce-back year, ruling out a bullpen role for now. The Mets are also actively seeking a No. 1 starter through trade or free agency, leveraging their strong farm system.