The New York Mets have reached the point where Kodai Senga’s struggles can no longer be treated like a bump in the schedule.
After another rough start against the Colorado Rockies, Senga’s future in the Mets rotation is now uncertain. His ERA sits at 9.00, his command has unraveled, and manager Carlos Mendoza made it clear that the organization has to discuss what comes next.
That matters because this is no longer just about one pitcher searching for rhythm. It is about whether the Mets can keep waiting on Senga while their season continues to slide.
“I know what’s going on. I know why I’m not able to perform,” Senga said after the loss. “I just wasn’t able to get there and perform today.”
That quote may be the most revealing part of the entire situation.
Senga’s Explanation Raises Bigger Questions
GettyPitcher Kodai Senga #34 of the New York Mets throws during the first inning of game two of a doubleheader against the Colorado Rockies at Citi Field on April 26, 2026 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Heather Khalifa/Getty Images)
Senga is not presenting himself as lost. He is not blaming bad luck, poor defense, or a difficult schedule. He believes he understands the problem.
That should be encouraging. Instead, it makes the situation more complicated.
If Senga knows what is wrong but still cannot correct it during games, the Mets have to ask a harder question. How long can they wait for the answer to show up in results?
According to SNY, Mendoza said he will speak with David Stearns about Senga’s future after the right-hander allowed three runs over 2.2 innings against Colorado. Mendoza also called the performance “not good enough,” which is about as direct as a manager can be before a roster decision follows.
Senga has now failed to complete four innings in three straight starts. That is not a small mechanical hiccup anymore. It is a pattern that has started to define his season.
Mets Have Options, Which Hurts Senga’s Case
GettyKodai Senga #34 of the New York Mets delivers a pitch against the St. Louis Cardinals in the first inning at Busch Stadium on March 31, 2026 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)
The most dangerous part of Senga’s situation is that the Mets are not desperate for starting pitching alternatives.
As the New York Post’s Mark W. Sanchez noted, the organization has rotation depth. That changes the entire calculation. A struggling starter gets a longer leash when there is no obvious replacement. Senga does not have that protection right now.
The Mets can consider a Triple-A reset. They can explore a bullpen move. They can rearrange the rotation and give someone else a chance to stabilize things.
None of those options feel simple. Senga’s routine is built around starting, and another demotion would require difficult conversations. He did not commit to accepting a minor-league assignment when asked, saying that decision would involve “a lot of discussions with a lot of different people.”
That answer adds another layer of tension. The Mets may want a reset. Senga may not be ready to agree to one.
This Is About Trust Now
GettyManager Carlos Mendoza #64 of the New York Mets removes Kodai Senga #34 from the game during the fourth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on April 17, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Senga still has talent. His best version can change the Mets rotation. His splitter can still miss bats. His track record gives the team reason to avoid a panic move.
But trust works differently when losses start stacking up.
The Mets are not evaluating Senga only against his ceiling anymore. They are evaluating him against the damage caused by waiting too long. Every short start exposes the bullpen. Every early deficit puts more pressure on an already struggling offense. Every failed adjustment makes the next conversation with Stearns more urgent.
That is why this moment matters.
Senga says he knows why he is not performing. Now the Mets have to decide whether knowing the problem is enough.
The next step will reveal plenty about how much patience this front office still has. If Senga stays in the rotation, the Mets are betting on the fix. If they remove him, they are admitting the results have finally outweighed the reputation.
Either way, his next role may say more about the Mets’ urgency than any public vote of confidence ever could.
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