With two years and roughly $28 million remaining on his contract, Senga presents an intriguing buy-low option for teams seeking rotation depth. For the Mets, the goal is clear: acquire controllable talent or prospects while offloading risk from a pitcher whose 2025 season ended in inconsistency and a demotion to Triple-A Syracuse.
Possible Landing Spots as Mets Explore Trades for Kodai Senga
Here are three potential trade partners, along with realistic packages the Mets could seek:
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San Diego Padres
Why it makes sense: The Padres need rotation depth behind their top-of-the-rotation arms. Senga, with two years left at a modest AAV, offers low-risk innings and could slot as a mid-rotation starter or veteran bridge.
Potential Package:
- From Padres to Mets: One of their higher-upside pitching prospects, like Cory Lewis or Jackson Wolf, plus $5–7 million to offset part of Senga’s salary.
- Rationale: The Mets receive controllable pitching prospects, while the Padres acquire a veteran arm with MLB experience at a fraction of the cost of top-tier rotation signings. Senga’s upside is intriguing, especially if he returns to the form that made him a top starter in 2023–24.
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Chicago Cubs
Why it makes sense: Rebuilding teams like Chicago value innings and veteran leadership for their young rotation, making Senga a reasonable target for a team looking for stability without sacrificing high-tier prospects.
Potential Package:
- From Cubs to Mets: Top-30 Cubs prospect Dillon Dingler (catcher/utility), along with a mid-level pitching prospect such as Eduardo Diaz, plus $3–5 million cash.
- Rationale: Senga offers innings for Chicago while providing the Mets with a position prospect and a mid-level arm to replenish organizational depth. For the Cubs, Senga can anchor a rotation while younger pitchers develop behind him.
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Baltimore Orioles
Why it makes sense: Baltimore has a playoff window and could benefit from a veteran starter who is affordable but carries upside. Senga provides rotation depth and a potential innings boost for a team contending in the AL East.
Potential Package:
- From Orioles to Mets: MLB-ready outfielder Joey Ortiz and a mid-tier pitching prospect such as Yacksel Ríos Jr., with Baltimore also sending $5 million to cover part of Senga’s remaining salary.
- Rationale: The Orioles stabilize their rotation for a postseason push. At the same time, the Mets acquire a ready-to-contribute position player and a young pitcher, aligning with their objective of restocking the farm system and bolstering position depth.
Key Considerations
While Senga still has upside, his trade value is tempered by inconsistent performance and health concerns in 2025. The Mets should insist on prospects with either high upside or MLB readiness, plus cash considerations to mitigate risk. Unlike a blockbuster deal for a top-tier ace, Senga trades as a reclamation project—ideal for teams seeking affordable innings but not commanding elite return packages.
For the Mets, moving Senga could provide much-needed organizational flexibility: clearing roster space, reducing risk, and gaining controllable talent. For potential acquiring teams, Senga represents an affordable veteran who could stabilize a rotation and contribute meaningfully. With the offseason heating up, expect talks to continue—smaller markets and playoff-contending teams leading the charge for his services.
Main Photo Credits: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
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