The New York Mets experienced one of the most puzzling seasons in recent franchise memory last year, and much of the conversation surrounding their disappointing campaign ultimately revolved around the inconsistent performance and uncertain future of starting pitcher Kodai Senga.

What once appeared to be a cornerstone signing for the organization has gradually transformed into a complicated storyline, with injuries, declining performance, and speculation about his long term role in Queens dominating discussions among analysts and fans.

As the Mets continue evaluating their roster heading deeper into the 2026 season, several insiders believe Senga’s name could once again surface in trade rumors if his struggles persist.

CBS Sports analyst Mike Axisa recently suggested that the possibility of Senga being moved should not be dismissed, particularly given how aggressively the Mets front office reshaped the roster over the past year.

According to Axisa, one potential destination that could emerge if trade discussions intensify is the San Francisco Giants, a team that has consistently sought experienced starting pitching to strengthen its rotation.

The Giants have spent the past few seasons attempting to rebuild a competitive pitching staff capable of surviving the brutal National League West, and Senga’s unique arsenal could potentially appeal to their scouting department.

His signature “ghost fork” pitch once baffled hitters across Major League Baseball, earning him early recognition as one of the most intriguing international signings in recent Mets history.

However, that early promise has been overshadowed by durability concerns that have limited his availability over the past two seasons.

When president of baseball operations David Stearns took over the Mets’ baseball strategy, he made it clear that the roster would undergo significant changes aimed at reshaping the team’s long term outlook.

Several veterans were either traded or allowed to leave in free agency as Stearns attempted to construct a more balanced and sustainable roster.

Within those discussions, Senga reportedly emerged as one of the players whose future with the organization was far from guaranteed.

Trade conversations involving the right handed pitcher circulated quietly throughout the offseason, though ultimately no team completed a deal to acquire him.

Axisa believes the hesitation from other organizations may have been tied directly to Senga’s recent injury history and late season performance struggles.

“Senga was on the trade block much of the offseason as Mets POBO David Stearns remade his squad,” Axisa wrote while describing the internal discussions that reportedly took place.

Despite the interest from multiple clubs exploring potential pitching upgrades, none appeared willing to assume the risk associated with acquiring a pitcher who had struggled to remain healthy.

“No team took the plunge, perhaps because Senga has struggled to stay healthy the last two years and was so bad late last season that he agreed to go to Triple-A,” Axisa explained.

The situation grew even more unusual when the Mets chose not to recall Senga to the major league roster despite experiencing pitching problems that derailed their season.

“The Mets never bothered to call him back up even as their pitching sent their season off the rails,” Axisa added, highlighting the puzzling decision.

Such a move raised questions about how the organization currently views Senga’s role moving forward.

Still, Axisa also pointed out that it was not long ago that Senga looked like one of the most effective pitchers in the entire league.

During the early portion of the 2025 season, the right hander delivered a remarkable stretch of dominance that reminded everyone why the Mets originally invested heavily in bringing him from Japan.

Across his first fourteen starts of that campaign, Senga recorded an astonishing 1.39 earned run average while consistently frustrating opposing hitters with his unpredictable pitch mix.

Those performances showcased the version of Senga that once generated excitement throughout the Mets fan base.

His ability to combine deceptive mechanics with elite movement on his pitches made him a difficult challenge even for experienced major league hitters.

That stretch also reinforced the idea that when healthy and confident, Senga possesses the talent to perform like a true front line starter.

The financial aspect of his contract may also play a role in determining his future with the organization.

Senga is scheduled to earn $14 million annually over the next two seasons, a figure that is widely considered reasonable in today’s pitching market.

Given the rapidly rising cost of acquiring starting pitching across Major League Baseball, such a contract could appear appealing to teams searching for value.

For that reason alone, some executives around the league may continue monitoring Senga’s performance closely throughout the season.

However, the late stages of last year’s campaign painted a far less encouraging picture of the pitcher’s trajectory.

As the Mets struggled to remain competitive, Senga’s outings became increasingly inconsistent and at times outright ineffective.

Opposing hitters began adjusting more comfortably to his pitch selection, forcing him into difficult counts and shortening his outings.

At one point the Mets made the surprising decision to option Senga to the minor leagues in an attempt to help him rediscover his mechanics and confidence.

The move illustrated just how desperate the organization had become while searching for solutions on the mound.

Yet even after sending him down, the Mets ultimately chose not to recall Senga during the final stretch of the season.

That decision left many observers wondering whether the team had already begun considering a long term separation.

Despite those struggles, Senga’s earlier achievements still offer evidence that he can succeed at the highest level of the sport.

During the 2023 season, his first year in Major League Baseball, he produced one of the most impressive campaigns by an international pitcher in recent Mets history.

Across twenty nine appearances that year, Senga posted a strong 2.98 ERA while demonstrating remarkable poise against some of the league’s most dangerous lineups.

His performance during that season earned praise from teammates and coaches who admired both his work ethic and competitive spirit.

For Mets fans, that version of Senga remains the one they hope will eventually return to the mound in Queens.

The organization itself faces a difficult decision moving forward as it attempts to balance patience with the urgency of remaining competitive.

Pitching depth remains one of the Mets’ most pressing needs, particularly as the team continues rebuilding its rotation after several recent departures.

If Senga can regain his previous form and stay healthy, he could still represent an important piece of the team’s pitching plans.

However, if the struggles continue and consistency remains elusive, the front office may ultimately decide that a trade represents the best solution for both sides.

The San Francisco Giants could potentially emerge as one of the most logical destinations should that scenario unfold.

Their spacious home ballpark and emphasis on pitching development might provide an environment where Senga could rebuild his confidence.

For now, the Mets will likely continue monitoring his progress closely before making any definitive decisions about his future.

Whether he ultimately rediscovers his dominant form in Queens or finds a fresh start elsewhere, Kodai Senga remains one of the most intriguing storylines surrounding the Mets’ evolving roster.

And in a season where pitching stability could determine the team’s fate, his performance may quietly become one of the most important factors shaping the Mets’ path forward.