The New York Mets hold the last National League wild-card spot with their 75-64 record. To maintain their playoff positioning through the end of the regular season, the Mets are considering some drastic changes.
New York’s pitching rotation now features a pair of talented prospects in Jonah Tong and Nolan McLean. David Peterson and Clay Holmes are locked into spots, as should Sean Manaea, despite his recent struggles. Add in Tylor Megill’s potential return from injury, and the Mets’ rotation is beginning to look crowded.
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And that’s without even mentioning Kodai Senga. The right-hander has struggled mightily since returning from injury. Due to their newfound depth and Senga’s struggles, the Mets are considering demoting him to the minor leagues, via Will Sammon of The Athletic.
“With Senga, the Mets are considering a few possibilities, including potentially asking him to accept an optional minor-league assignment, people familiar with their thinking said,” Sammon wrote. “Senga, however, may not be assigned to the minors without his consent, according to his contract.”
Mets Debating Kodai Senga Demotion
New York Mets pitcher Kodai Senga (34) delivers a pitch against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Senga would have to approve a demotion due to his contract, making New York’s plan a bit tricky. However, the righty has said he is “willing to do whatever it takes” to help the team win, Sammon noted. Moving to the minor leagues would give Senga time to work through any issues before potentially returning before the playoffs.
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Senga suffered a hamstring injury in early June. He would make his return to the mound a month later; however, the results haven’t been what the Mets are hoping for. Over his last five games, Senga holds a 0-3 record with a 5.70 ERA and a 23/11 K/BB ratio. He has allowed 26 hits in 23 2/3 innings pitched.
His most recent outing saw the right-hander allow seven hits and five runs over 4 2/3 innings in a loss to the Miami Marlins. Senga hasn’t pitched into the sixth inning since June, and yet, he has allowed three or more runs in six of his last eight outings.
It wasn’t long ago that Senga was considered the Mets’ ace. He was an All-Star as a rookie, pitching to a 12-7 record with a 2.98 ERA and a 202/77 K/BB ratio. The Mets are looking for that kind of pitcher again.
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If McLean and Tong continue performing how they have, then New York has found a spark atop the rotation. It would also allow the Mets to give Senga some time away from the spotlight. He’ll need to agree to the demotion, but there’s a chance the righty’s next start comes at the minor-league level.
Related: Mets’ Carlos Mendoza Announces Kodai Senga News
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Sep 3, 2025, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.