Kodai Senga has made his preference clear as the Mets weigh whether the former All-Star fits better in their rotation or bullpen in 2027.
The New York Mets have seen Kodai Senga find success in a new role over the past two months.
But that doesn't mean the former All-Star wants to stay there.
Senga has made clear to the Mets that he would prefer to return to the starting rotation in 2027, according to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com.
Manager Andy Green said Senga has "been really good expressing to us that his passion resides in the rotation."
That gives the Mets an interesting decision heading into the offseason.
Senga has been working as a leverage reliever after struggling in the rotation earlier in the season. The move has produced encouraging results, with the 33-year-old posting a 3.78 ERA and 22 strikeouts over 16 2/3 innings in relief.
The success has already raised the possibility that Senga could have a future as a high-leverage reliever.
But Senga still sees himself as a starter.
Green said the Mets will consider Senga's preference while determining where he fits on a pitching staff that already has several young options for 2027.
"We have an idea of how he fits in a 'pen now, which is really, really helpful," Green said. "We don't know the depth of our rotation going into '27 right now."
New York already has Nolan McLean among its rotation options, while Christian Scott, Zac Thornton and Jonah Tong could also compete for spots. Tong is among the young pitchers trying to earn a place in the Mets' 2027 rotation.
Senga has one year remaining on his contract.
For now, no decision has been made.
Senga said his preference has not changed, but acknowledged that where — and in what role — he pitches is ultimately outside his control.
That leaves the Mets with another significant decision as they begin reshaping their pitching staff for 2027.
