Truth Behind Mets’ Relationship With $75M All-Star Emerges After Surprise Demotion

After pitching a 6.56 ERA over the last eight starts and surrendering five earned runs over 4 ²/₃ innings in a loss to Miami last weekend, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza was asked if the veteran, who posted an exceptional 1.47 earned run average in his first 13 starts before injury, would accept the idea of pitching in the minors? Mendoza responded, “I don’t know about that. We all know he’s going to have to give us consent.”

Then the Mets optioned Kodai Senga to Triple-A Syracuse on Friday for the first time since arriving in New York in a five-year, $75MM contract in 2022 to regain his form. Senga, 32, could have declined the options as his contract stipulated that Senga could only be optioned with his consent.

At that point, SNY’s Andy Martino reported that the decision would not affect Senga’s relationship with the organisation. In a recent post on X, Martino wrote: “The relationship between Senga and the Mets is in very good shape. He was included in the discussions about the option, which should last about 2 starts depending how he does, per league sources. He felt respected by the process and consented without issue.

Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns said, “He wants to do what’s right for the team…. And I think we all got to the point that the best possible chance for him to do that is take a step back, be able to work on what he needs to work on in a controlled environment, and go from there,” about Senga’s demotion.

Senga, the former Rookie of the Year runner-up with a 3.02 ERA, was quite straightforward about the decision. “I’m working my tail off to get back to (being effective),” Senga told reporters last weekend. “And it’s as simple as, if I’m able to do it, we’re in the postseason and I’m pitching out there. And if I’m not able to, then there’s no spot for me to pitch.” Senga will be replaced by Brandon Sproat in a six-man rotation. So, how does the Mets’ roster look in light of this decision?

What will the Mets’ rotation look like?

LHP David Peterson will remain the first starter. Then the list goes like; RHP Kodai Senga (demoted to minors), RHP Clay Holmes, LHP Sean Manaea, RHP Frankie Montas (elbow injury sidelined him for the rest of the season), RHP Griffin Canning (sidelined with Achilles injury), RHP Tylor Megill (on rehab and allowed three runs in four innings on Tuesday’s rehab), RHP Nolan McLean( had a 1.37 ERA in four starts and was called up last month), RHP Jonah Tong (debuted last week where he allowed just one earned run in five innings an earned the win).

And the demotion does not impact Senga’s postseason availability. As per the rules, players must be in the organization at 11:59 p.m. ET on Aug. 31, and Senga was in the lineup all season until Friday. But if things don’t seem to head in the direction the Mets want before October, then moving Senga to the bullpen will be the last and least favourable choice for the Mets. As Stearns said, “didn’t feel like the right thing to do.” 

The Mets also sent catcher Hayden Senger (.174 in 30 games) to Syracuse, along with Senga. And activated catcher Francisco Alvarez(who was hitting .323/.408/.645 in 71 plate appearances before his injury and just slammed a grand slam before activation) in his place, and their recent acquisition, reliever Wander Suero, before their Friday series against the Cincinnati Reds.

Hopefully, Senga manages to find his rhythm in Syracuse, or he risks missing out on a playoff roster spot.