The New York Mets’ disappointing 2026 season may have reached another low point, and much of the attention is now focused on the alarming decline of starting pitcher Kodai Senga. Once expected to be a key piece of the club’s rotation, Senga’s recent struggles have raised serious questions about not only his role on the team but potentially his future with the organization altogether.
In his latest start against the Chicago Cubs, Senga endured another disastrous outing, allowing seven earned runs in just 3.2 innings during a 9-6 Mets defeat. Although Chicago boasts one of the National League’s stronger lineups, the performance added to a troubling trend that has defined Senga’s season. Through six starts and only 24 innings pitched, the right-hander now owns a staggering 9.00 ERA, numbers that are far removed from the expectations the Mets had when they invested heavily in him.
Perhaps most concerning is the disappearance of the devastating “ghost fork” pitch that once made Senga one of baseball’s most difficult pitchers to face. Along with diminished effectiveness from several of his secondary pitches, his inability to consistently retire hitters has become a major problem for a Mets team already struggling to stay competitive. At 34-44, New York sits ten games below .500 and continues to fall further behind in the playoff race.
Following the latest collapse, prominent Mets reporter Anthony DiComo raised a dramatic question that would have seemed unthinkable just months ago: Is Senga’s roster spot now in jeopardy?
DiComo noted that while Senga looked dominant early in the game touching 98 and 99 mph while striking out two batters in the first inning everything unraveled shortly thereafter. Walks, poor pitch execution, and a lack of command quickly turned a promising start into another nightmare outing. The veteran was eventually booed by frustrated fans as he left the mound.
Manager Carlos Mendoza did little to ease concerns after the game. His comments suggested the organization is preparing to evaluate Senga’s future role, especially with pitcher Christian Scott nearing a return from the injured list. Team officials are reportedly expected to discuss whether Senga should remain in the starting rotation for his next scheduled appearance.
The dilemma facing the Mets is complicated by financial realities. Senga is owed significant money, including $15 million next season, making an outright release or designation for assignment an expensive option. The club could consider moving him to the bullpen in hopes of rebuilding his confidence, or potentially ask him to accept a minor-league assignment as he did under different circumstances in the past. However, neither path guarantees improvement, and there is uncertainty over whether Senga would agree to such a move again.
As frustration continues to grow among the fan base, the pressure on the organization is mounting. What was once viewed as a temporary slump is beginning to look like a season-long crisis, and the Mets may soon be forced to make a difficult decision regarding one of their highest-profile pitchers. With the club’s playoff hopes fading and patience running thin, Senga’s future in New York has suddenly become one of the biggest storylines surrounding the franchise.
Leave a Reply