Jason Burgos
The New York Mets seem to have another intriguing prospect that could soon replace Kodai Senga in the starting rotation.
Heading into the 2026 MLB season, the Mets’ decision makers were hopeful that Senga had solved the issues that led to a disastrous finish to last year. After posting a 5.25 ERA in August, he ended the 2025 season with a 0-3 record and 6.18 ERA in September. However, during spring training this year, Senga’s fastball was dominant, and he seemed to recapture his All-Star form.
To begin the new season, he gave up four runs in just under 12 innings in starts against the St. Louis Cardinals and San Francisco Giants. It looked like the ace-level pitcher had returned. Then the wheels fell off over his last two stars. Over 5.2 innings against the Chicago Cubs and Athletics, he gave up 14 hits, four homers, and 14 runs.
It feels like September all over again, and the Mets brass must seriously consider pulling the trigger on a change as they are mired in a nasty losing streak that is closing in on 10 straight. Fortunately, the club has some intriguing options in its minor league system.
New York Mets have three options to replace Kodai Senga in Triple-A
Jonah Tong was the best pitcher at any level in the minors last year. While he showed his inexperience in his starts late in 2025, the team is still high on his potential. Christian Scott is fully healthy after missing last season due to Tommy John surgery, and he has looked strong in Triple-A this year. However, there is a third option.
Top-10 Mets prospect Jack Wenninger has taken some big development steps forward over the last year. In Double-A last season, he went 12-6 with a 2.92 ERA and 147 strikeouts in 135.2 innings. He continued that momentum this spring, and although he didn’t make the big league roster, he is off to a fast start in Triple-A. He is 1-1 in three starts with a 1.88 ERA and 15 Ks in 14.1 innings.
According to SNY Mets minor league expert Joe DeMayo, Wenninger has a fastball that touches 97 mph, a swing-and-miss splitter, a cutter, sinker, gyro slider, and he has also dabbled in throwing a curveball at times.
Options are good, and the Mets have three good ones ready whenever they want to switch Senga out of the rotation.
