Jason Burgos
A notable New York Mets insider has bad news for fans. There are no good options in the minor leagues to replace David Peterson and Kodai Senga in the starting rotation.
The Mets knew there was a risk when they decided to give spots in the 2026 starting rotation to Kodai Senga and David Peterson. Both played a major role in their stunning late-season collapse in 2025, because both were awful in August and September.
Yet, there was reason for optimism in 2026. Peterson was an All-Star in the first half of last season, and many thought he just tired after pitching the most innings of his career. Senga also has an All-Star appearance on his resume and has looked like an ace when healthy.
Unfortunately, the pair have been terrible again so far this season. After giving up seven runs on Wednesday, Peterson is 0-4 and has a 6.53 ERA. While Senga was also 0-4 with a whopping 9.00 ERA before he was placed on the injured list with a back injury this week.
New York Mets won’t get pitching help from the minor leagues
The Mets need to swap in fresh talent in both of those spots, and their Triple-A affiliate would seem like a source to turn to. Since the team is supposed to have several talented pitchers in Syracuse. However, that doesn’t look like an option, according to MLB.com Mets reporter Anthony DiComo.
Following the team’s latest loss on Wednesday, DiComo explained that he is unsure what the team will do when it comes to Peterson and Senga. Prospect Chrisitan Scott will be re-inserted into the rotation on Friday. But he only lasted 1.1 innings in his start last week after walking five Twins batters.
When it comes to stud pitching prospect Jonah Tong, DiComo mentioned he has not earned an opportunity after beginning the Triple-A season 1-2 with a 5.68 ERA. His Syracuse rotation mate, Jack Wenninger, has not been strong enough to be thrown into the big league fire either. Plus, Double-A prospect Jonathan Santucci, whom the team liked in the spring, is off to an awful 0-3 start in Binghamton.
Dicomo adds that while Tobias Meyers would be an option, he is not stretched out, and the insider has doubts about whether he will be as effective in a starting role as he’s been from the bullpen. Furthermore, veteran Sean Manaea looked rough in relief of Peterson this week, so he hasn’t given the coaching staff reason to believe he is an option either.
At 10-20, the bad news just keeps coming for the New York Mets.
