Another free agent starting pitcher is off the market.
According to SportsNet New York’s Andy Martino, the New York Mets have signed Japanese starter Kodai Senga.
The Mets are sighing Kodai Senga, according to a source.
— Andy Martino (@martinonyc) December 11, 2022
What is more surprising, is the contract that Senga signed. His contract numbers also come from Martino, as the 29-year-old signed a 5-year, $75,000,000, which has an annual average of $15,000,000.
The agreement is for 5 years and $75 million. https://t.co/YeZNvF2HLe
— Andy Martino (@martinonyc) December 11, 2022
Pitching for the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks of the Nippon Professional Baseball League in 2022, the 29-year-old righty had a 1.94 ERA in 144 innings pitched. Furthermore, he had a 27.5 K% and an 8.6 BB%. He had a 2.59 ERA in 1089 innings pitched in Japan for his career.
Senga is known for sitting high 90s (touching over 100 mph) and throwing a nasty forkball. While it remains a question if his success can translate overseas, it appears to only improve the Mets starting rotation, which is already pretty darn good.
Interestingly, the Mets payroll now sits at an absolutely insane $349,570,000, well above the $233,000,000 Competitive Balance Tax limit. It’ll be funny to see them get swept in the National League Divisional Series though!
Mets payroll now at $349.57 million
— Kiley McDaniel (@kileymcd) December 11, 2022
While it was reported early in the off-season that the Jays could be linked to Senga, it seems unlikely after his agent’s comments about visiting only one country.
Joel Wolfe, the agent for Kodai Senga, says the feee agent right-hander recently visited 6-7 cities but “only one country.” Senga wants a long term deal, Wolfe adds, and has already been offered contracts of 5-6 years.
— Shi Davidi (@ShiDavidi) December 6, 2022
So, who remains on the free agent market for the Jays? There isn’t a lot in terms of high-end talent, as only Carlos Rodón fits that regard. There are a few mid-rotation guys such as Nathan Eovaldi and Chris Bassitt, but with the qualifying offer attached to those players, I’m not sure …
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Author: Brennan Delaney / Blue Jays Nation
