Mets face pitching woes as GM Stearns challenges Senga to find consistency
The New York Mets enter the offseason with a cloud of disappointment hanging over them. Despite notable signings like Juan Soto and Pete Alonso, the team fell short of playoff contention. Their early-season promise quickly faded, culminating in a lackluster performance that allowed the Cincinnati Reds to seize the final NL Wild Card spot.
Struggles on the Mound
A significant factor in the Mets’ downfall was their pitching. The starters faced their share of challenges, and when they managed to keep runs off the board, the bullpen often faltered. This inconsistency in the pitching department highlights an area that the Mets are likely to prioritize as they look to rebuild over the winter.
Senga’s Inconsistent Journey
Kodai Senga’s tenure with the Mets has been far from smooth. After an encouraging start to his 2023 season, he found himself sidelined with injuries, managing only one start the previous year. This season saw him sent down to Triple-A as his struggles persisted.
In light of Senga’s underwhelming performances, General Manager David Stearns did not hold back in evaluating the situation. He expressed a candid assessment of the Japanese hurler, stating, “Kodai’s had two very inconsistent, challenging years in a row. We know it’s in there. We know there’s potential. We’re going to do everything we can to help get it out of him. Can we put him in ink as making 30 starts next year? I think that would be foolish.”
These words resonate with a mix of urgency and accountability. For Senga to reclaim his status as the ace of the staff—an expectation set when he signed with the Mets in 2022—he will need to demonstrate significant improvement. The coming months will be pivotal for Senga as he seeks to redefine his role within the team and restore confidence in his abilities.
