New York Mets could have inside track with Kodai Senga

The New York Mets are not done addressing their rotation. Another top option in free agency could be next in line.

According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, Kodai Senga has a very specific wish list for where he plays in the majors. He wants to play in a major market and wants to be part of a team built to win now.

New York Mets, Kodai Senga on collision course

That list of requirements sounds familiar. The Mets are in win-now mode, especially with Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer atop the rotation. It would also be difficult to find a larger market than New York.

The Mets’ interest in Senga has been noted since free agency began as he and Verlander were considered to be their backup plan if Jacob deGrom departed. Verlander is already on board, having been signed shortly after deGrom went to Texas. Now it is just a matter of bringing Senga on board.

Senga is a risk. This fastball and forkball are both plus offerings and he has excellent command, but his other pitches are fringy at the major league level. He dominated in Nippon Professional Baseball but that does not always portend greatness stateside. And he is being marketed as one of the top pitchers available in free agency, in the same tier as Carlos Rodon, Verlander, and deGrom.

It is also a move that the Mets have to make. Verlander and Scherzer are a great 1-2 punch but the Mets need a lot more behind them if they are going to contend for a championship. Likewise, there is not much depth something that could be their Achilles’ heel. The Mets need Senga.

Kodai Senga is reportedly looking to pitch in a major market for a team looking to win now. In that case, the New York Mets would be a perfect fit.