Kodai Senga excited after 2026 NY Mets debut despite offense struggles

Kodai Senga made a strong impression in his 2026 debut for the New York Mets, even though the team’s offense struggled in a 3-0 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium on Tuesday. The Mets managed just three hits, including Juan Soto’s sixth-inning double, and went 0-for-4 with runners in scoring position.

Senga delivered six innings of two-run ball, allowing four hits, three walks, and striking out nine — a performance that came just days after he impressed again as Carlos Mendoza said he was “close” to peak form. “It was a great start to the year — it makes me excited for this year,” Senga said through his interpreter, via SNY.

He also added, “Being out there, I can start to deduce, ‘What is this hitter thinking? What are they looking for? What aren’t they looking for?’ It’s a good feeling. I am excited.”

The start marked Senga’s first big-league appearance since August 31 of last year, after he spent time in Triple-A following a late-season demotion. His velocity was noticeably higher, peaking at 99 mph on his four-seam fastball and averaging 97.4 mph, a jump of 2.7 mph from last season.

Mets offense struggles continue

While Senga looked sharp, the Mets’ bats remained quiet. Bo Bichette went 0-for-3, dropping his batting average to .091 after five games. The team struggled to generate opportunities with runners in scoring position, underscoring the gap between pitching performance and offensive support early in the season.

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Senga’s mental edge and readiness

Senga emphasized the mental side of his game, highlighting his ability to read hitters and anticipate their approach. His confidence in analyzing opponents reflects a focus on preparation and in-game adjustments, key traits the Mets hope will anchor their rotation throughout the season.