It only took one start for NY Mets fans to remember how valuable Kodai Senga is

It didn’t take long—two innings to be exact, for New York Mets fans to remember just how important Kodai Senga is to this rotation. After being limited to just 10 1/3 innings last season due to injury, the Ghost Fork specialist took the mound for the first time this spring, and it was a welcome sight. With his fastball topping off at 96 and a well-rounded mix of four other pitches, one thing became clear: a healthy Senga changes everything for this club.

With uncertainty lingering over parts of the Mets' pitching staff, having Senga at the top of the rotation isn’t just a boast, it’s a necessity.

The Mets have made it clear they’re taking their time with Senga, especially after a calf injury cut his 2024 return short. But despite reports that he’d be limited to just one inning, he was given a second—an unexpected but welcome bonus for fans tuning in. Senga needed only 31 pitches to get through eight Marlins hitters, allowing two hits and striking out two in a sharp spring debut.

As Senga worked through the lineup, it was clear his game plan was to establish the fastball early. The first seven batters he faced all saw a first-pitch fastball, with four of those landing for strikes. Catcher Luis Torrens even helped out, successfully challenging a call with a tap of his helmet to get a ball overturned. After the four-seam fastball, Senga mixed in a steady dose of sliders and cutters, with his Ghost Forkball making one appearance—though it hung just enough to give up a single to left field.

It was clear Senga was amped up for his spring debut, as he appeared to overthrow several of his pitches, causing him to miss spots and work into a few 2-2 and one 3-2 count. Even Ron Darling pointed it out during the broadcast, noting how Senga was overthrowing, which led to some errant pitches. Despite his excitement, Senga was mindful enough to settle down when needed, especially when he didn't exert himself covering first base on a ground ball hit to Alonso (I believe a few Mets fans are still holding their breath). His adrenaline is a good sign, though—it shows just how eager he is to get back to his dominant form.

One thing became clear in Senga's first outing, the Mets have a weapon at the top of their rotation. Despite the early nerves and the occasional overthrow, his stuff was undeniable, and he showed flashes of the dominant pitcher the Mets need in 2025. The excitement around his potential is real—when healthy and settled in, Senga can be a game-changer for this team. Mets fans now know that his presence in the rotation isn’t just important; it could be the difference-maker this season. If he can stay on track, the Mets have a legitimate ace to anchor their pitching staff.