Not every journey to the big leagues begins with flashing cameras and lavish training camps. Sometimes, it begins in the quiet corners of a modest neighborhood, where dreams feel too big for the walls that try to contain them.

Kodai Senga’s path was not just carved by his personal will—it was paved by his family’s sacrifices, support and love. As the Mets star stands tall today, the echoes of those early struggles still shape the fire he brings to the mound.

When the Japanese star agreed to a five-year, $75 million contract with the Mets in 2022, it was identified as a huge leap forward. However, behind that payday was a story far deeper than baseball.

The Japanese star’s path to Citi Field was not just paved with hard work—it was established on the quiet and invisible sacrifices of those closest to him. In a current interview, Kodai Senga spoke candidly related to what he left behind to chase this dream. He said, “I am obviously far from them right now. I am not able to see them, but… they give me a lot of power and energy”.

They are his wife and two young children—an 8-year-old daughter and a 6-year-old son. They remain in Japan while Kodai Senga adjusts to life in the USA. Their absence weighs largely on him and FaceTime calls have become his mental fuel. Yet, the star’s deep link to family is nothing new.

At the period of a 2023 game against the Rays—one his family attended—the Mets star admitted feeling relief that he was not booed by the fans. He said, “I am just glad I did not get booed when they were there”. It is a small statement, however, it speaks volumes.

In the high-pressure world of pro games, Kodai Senga’s first instinct is to safeguard his family from negativity. It says that Senga’s MLB journey is not just his alone—it is a shared story of distance, devotion and deeply rooted love.

Can Kodai Senga shoulder the expectation placed upon him?

In MLB, it is not just the fans that place expectations on a star—it is those waiting back home. For Senga, that weight is deeper. While his numbers highlight elite promise, the Mets star remains his harshest critic. Despite carrying a stellar 1.22 ERA through eight starts in 2025, which is second best among all qualified MLB the star said: “quite honestly, I do not feel like I am very good at any point during the game this year”. Whether that is humility or quiet force, it highlights a deeper thought process of someone trying to live up to much more than a contract.

Looking back to 2023, there was every reason to think he was exactly who Carlos Mendoza hoped for when the team inked that $75 million deal. In the star’s debut season, he pitched 166.1 innings, earned an All-Star selection and finished second in NL Rookie of the Year voting. Senga helped the team to secure a thrilling win over the Raya in front of his visiting family. 

However, the journey got rockier in 2024. He went through a right shoulder capsule strain, which sidelined Senga for almost four months. Then he returned for just one regular-season game and suddenly a left calf injury shut the door again. Senga’s only real moment of return came in the postseason, where he began in the NLDS against the Phillies.

Currently, in 2025, with that effective ERA, he ranks tied-56th in strikeouts and 42nd in WHIP. This says that he is going through an underlying struggle. The ghost fork is still dancing, however, whether he can keep ghosting doubt—for himself and his family—remains the looming concern.

Kodai Senga’s journey to MLB stardom is not just a tale of strikeouts—it is a living tribute to his family. As he continues to chase greatness, the real win lies in honoring their sacrifices. Stick around—this story is just getting started.

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