Dec 19, 2022; NY, NY, USA; New York Mets pitcher Kodai Senga laughs as he speaks to the media during a press conference at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
MLB: New York Mets-Press Conference
(New York, NY) – Amid what was a busy offseason for the New York Mets, the signing of Japanese pitcher Kodai Senga may have gone slightly under the radar. A long-time standout in Nippon Professional Baseball, Senga inked a five-year $75 million contract to join MLB as a member of the Mets. While nearly any New Yorker would happily sign on for that kind of money, experts say it’s a team-friendly deal.
Now, per a report from insider Jon Heyman, we may know why Senga’s agent was ok with that amount. Heyman says the right hander had an “iffy physical,” without providing much additional context. Of course in a potentially related situation, the Mets were unable to reach an agreement with Twins shortstop Carlos Correa, after a physical and past ankle injury gave New York and the San Francisco Giants reservations.
To be clear, there are definite, legitimate reasons why Senga could fail to replicate his success in the NPB. Japanese pitchers start every six-days, as opposed to the five-man rotations used in MLB, which give pitchers less time to rest and recover. Plus, MLB hitters are more accustomed to high velocity, and Senga’s four-seamer sits in the mid-90s, which is considered relatively average these days. But, it seems more acute concerns tied to his health and durability may have pushed down his salary.
