Jul 26, 2024; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Kodai Senga (34) looks back at the main scoreboard during the fourth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

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Why the Mets are betting big on their starting rotation

Mets gamble on depth, not an ace—will it pay off?

Spring training usually doesn’t mean much, but for the Mets, February 15 at Clover Park was different. Kodai Senga, once expected to be the team’s ace, was back on the mound. He threw 16 pitches, touched 96 mph, and didn’t look restricted by the shoulder injury that kept him out for nearly all of 2024. It was a rare moment of stability for a rotation built on uncertainty.

“I saw a smile on his face,” manager Carlos Mendoza said. “That’s a good sign.”

Mets’ rotation is a high-risk gamble

The Mets didn’t chase an ace this offseason. They passed on Max Fried, Blake Snell, and Corbin Burnes. Instead, they bet on depth. They brought back Sean Manaea for $75 million, signed Clay Holmes—a closer who hasn’t started since 2018—to a $38 million deal, and took a chance on injury-prone Frankie Montas. They also added Griffin Canning, who led the league in home runs allowed last season.

Kodai Senga last season:

12-7
2.98 ERA
202 K

The best trade deadline acquisition the Mets could ask for. pic.twitter.com/yhqL3pDzKI
— MetsMuse (@MetsMuse) July 26, 2024

David Stearns defended the strategy.

“I feel much better about our starting pitching depth than I did a year ago,” the Mets’ president of baseball operations said.

The rotation hinges on Senga. If he stays healthy, the Mets’ plan might work. If not, they’ll be scrambling by midseason.

It all comes down to Senga

The Mets won 89 games last year without him, but their rotation lacks a sure thing. Steve Cohen insists they’re ready to adjust.

“I think our pitching is going to surprise people,” Cohen said. “And another thing is we’re flexible. If we have to make changes, you saw what we did in ’24, and we’ll do it again in ’25.”

Senga doesn’t need to carry the team. But if he’s not on the mound, no amount of depth will save them.

Image: Imagn Images

Kodai Senga

Natasha Bose

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