New York Mets pitcher Kodai Senga is gearing up for the 2025 MLB season with high hopes after battling a series of injuries that derailed his 2024 campaign.
Following a challenging year, the 30-year-old is now fully healthy and optimistic about making a significant impact on the mound.
With the Mets adjusting their pitching rotation strategy and adding new arms to the roster, Senga’s role will be pivotal in a season that promises plenty of changes.
Kodai Senga’s Rollercoaster Journey From Rookie Star to Injury Setback
Senga burst onto the MLB scene in 2023, recording an impressive 2.98 ERA over 166â…“ innings in his rookie season with the Mets. Fans and analysts alike marveled at his ability to adapt quickly to the major leagues after dominating in Japan.
However, 2024 was a vastly different story as injuries plagued his second season from the outset.
A shoulder capsule strain sidelined him during spring training, pushing his 2024 debut to the second half of the season.
Not long after, a calf strain further limited his effectiveness and capped his appearances before the playoffs.
Offseason Dedication: Refocusing and Rebuilding
Despite the setbacks, Senga didn’t let frustration consume him. Instead, he committed to a thoroughly planned offseason schedule that included a mix of rehabilitation and routine training.
By January 2025, Senga declared himself back on track.
His focus remains clear: to stay healthy and contribute consistently throughout the season.
The pitcher credits his offseason work for putting him in a position to handle a full workload, whether that involves a five-man or six-man rotation.
The Mets appear prepared to support Senga’s rebound by introducing new measures to protect their pitching corps.
Manager Carlos Mendoza has announced plans for a six-man rotation aimed at giving Senga extra recovery time between starts.
While the final setup is contingent on how Senga’s health holds up, the precautionary decision underscores his value to the team.
A Revamped Mets Rotation: New Faces and New Challenges
The starting rotation in 2025 will look significantly different from recent years.
Gone are Luis Severino and Jose Quintana, two trusted arms from previous campaigns.
In their place, the Mets have brought in Clay Holmes and Frankie Montas, who add experience and depth to the rotation.
These changes highlight the team’s intent to rebuild after a disappointing 2024 season. Still, Senga’s performance will be a linchpin for their success.
Senga’s Perspective: Staying Healthy is Key
Senga has made it clear that his health is the primary factor in how the rotation takes shape.
Whether Mendoza ultimately sticks to the six-man configuration or transitions back to a traditional five-man crew, Senga’s status could dictate the final approach.
For Mets fans, a fully fit Senga is essential for the team to stay competitive in a tightly packed NL East division.
Roki Sasaki Joins the Dodgers: A Missed Opportunity?
One of the intriguing subplots of this offseason involved Japanese star pitcher Roki Sasaki, who recently signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
While the Mets were seemingly interested in adding another high-profile arm, Senga revealed he had no involvement in recruiting Sasaki.
This decision may have allowed Mets brass to focus on shoring up the team’s existing pitching staff rather than venturing into flashy signings.
The Stage Is Set
After a tumultuous 2024 campaign, Kodai Senga appears poised for a comeback that could redefine both his career trajectory and the Mets’ success in 2025.
With a modernized rotation, key offseason acquisitions, and a clearly outlined plan to manage his workload, the stage is set for Senga to prove that last year’s challenges were merely a blip on the radar.
If all goes according to plan, he could once again become one of the most reliable arms in the league—and perhaps bring the Mets one step closer to their ultimate goal of championship glory.
Here is the source article for this story: Mets’ Senga set for full workload after ’24 injuries
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