After underperforming at the start of 2026, right-hander Kodai Senga has found success as the New York Mets closer. The Japanese product was once a highly touted starter, but lost out on the role after struggling through the start of this year. With his future in doubt, he replaced an injured Devin Williams to help the Mets seal four wins in August.
“It’s certainly easier to prepare knowing that you’re going later in the game, easier to prepare, easier to get ready and warm-up,” Senga said.
Kodai Senga Finds Success
Coming into his fourth season in Queens, Senga had much to prove. He looked sharp during his first season in which he made his first All-Star appearance. But, he performed far from ideal in the following two years due to injuries and lack of production.
The start of this season didn’t go much better for Kodai Senga. He owned an 0–4 record through his first five outings, surrendering 17 earned runs and 22 hits. The righty continued to struggle in June, losing three more outings and giving up 13 earned runs.
However, Senga began to turn his season around upon transitioning to the relief unit. In July, he recorded four strikeouts on three separate occasions while giving up only 10 earned runs across those appearances. From there, the Mets began utilizing him as their closer with Williams injured and options being limited.
“[Senga will] continue to get those opportunities. I think there will be points in time where we flip it and pitch him in the eighth. He matches up well in the right point in time, but he will continue to get those high leverage opportunities,” interim manager Andy Green said earlier this week.
Sealing Wins
In four appearances in August, Kodai Senga recorded five strikeouts to help the Mets seal four wins. Two victories came on the road and the latest occurred during the Mets series finale win over the Washington Nationals. At Citi Field on Sunday, Senga struck out the final two batters he faced to clinch the 4–1 victory. His efforts put the finishing touches on a series sweep for the Mets, who are 10–3 since the August 3 trade deadline.
“[Senga] seems to be enjoying it and we are enjoying what he’s doing right now. He’s been huge for us and in that I think every player wants to impact winning and he’s done that in a pretty profound way over the past 10 days,” Green said following the win.
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