Yet again, Japan and Major League Baseball are practically synonymous with a rising star. From Japan’s bustling streets to New York City’s bright lights, the $75 million star is on his way back. But slowly and carefully, for when you have spent the last regular season appearing in just one game owing to injuries, the best way forward is to be cautious. And the pitcher recognizes that as his approach for this year’s Spring Training was “half rehab, half normal.” Looks like the cautious approach is still intact.

The 2024 season was difficult for Kodai Senga. Even before the Grapefruit League commenced, he was shut down with a shoulder capsule strain. And when he finally made his season debut in July, he strained his calf in a freak injury that had him sitting out for the remainder of the regular season. Even in the final week of February 2024, he felt an arm strain and there was an expectation that he would be out for 3 weeks. But it took until mid-May before Senga went on a rehab assignment as he tweaked his mechanics. But this was not enough bad luck it seemed as he was later shut down again after he suffered triceps inflammations.

From Senga’s perspective, his 2023 season was his best. In his MLB debut, he pitched 166.1 innings in 29 starts, averaging 10.9 strikeouts per nine innings with a 2.98 ERA and 1.22 WHIP. These stats show his competence and potential as a New York Mets pitching rotation staple.

The New York Mets have reduced Senga’s pitch count to protect his health as the season begins. This technique ensures his season-long durability, allowing him to contribute without risking injury. “Given that last year I didn’t throw very many pitches, that base is kind of gone now,” Senga said through an interpreter recently. “Am I a little bit worried? Sure, there’s a little bit of worry. But I’m on the same page with the coaches, the training staff, everybody on the team. They’re doing their best to keep me on the field, and I’m doing what I can to stay on the field.”

Senga’s performance in Spring Training 2025 is exceptional. Recently, he struck out six in 3.2 hitless innings against the Washington Nationals. This performance showed his competence and readiness to return to form. A New York Mets official said Senga will be limited to 75 pitches in his first start on April 1 against the Marlins.

Can Kodai Senga’s careful pitch count strategy and determined mindset help him return to his dominant form—and will he be the key to stabilizing the New York Mets’ pitching rotation in 2025? Only time will tell. But what does the roster look like as of now?

The 2025 New York Mets roster: A blend of youth and experience

Every season offers new hope, and for the 2025 New York Mets, that hope hinges on a careful balance between rising talent and seasoned experience. The Mets want to combine resilience and quality to reach the postseason, with Kodai Senga back on the mound set to reassert his domination.

Strong candidates for the Opening Day roster, players like Brett Baty and Luisangel Acuna, have made major impressions during Spring Training. Baty has shown defensive dependability as well as offensive skill with his outstanding 1.123 OPS. Acuna’s adaptability over several infield positions gives the team important depth.

The New York Mets have developed a pretty great roaster with some of the mind-blowing signings. An exhibit of this is Juan Soto, who signed a 15-year, $765 million contract with the Mets rather than the Yankees. Soto’s inclusion gives the lineup a strong left-handed bat that balances out the steady performances of club pillars such as Pete Alonso and Francisco Lindor. Alonso, almost at the franchise home run mark, and Lindor’s tenacity highlight the team’s strong foundation.

Pitching is still a major focus; Kodai Senga’s comeback from a season marred in injuries is under intense observation. Senga exhibited promise in his MLB debut in 2023. Pitchers like Sean Manaea, Luis Severino, and Jose Quintana worked hard last season to minimize Senga’s rotation absence. Now, with No.34 around to pay back the favor, the Mets will be looking to put up strong performances.

If all the factors fall into place, this may be the season when the New York Mets turn hope into postseason success. Could this combination of young, experienced leadership with deliberate pitching techniques drive the Mets toward a championship run? Only time—and 162 games—will tell.