Mets' Kodai Senga has Ghost Fork, velocity back for 2026 MLB season

One of the reasons the New York Mets' pitching struggled so much down the stretch of the 2025 MLB season is that Kodai Senga had fallen off the map.

The Japanese right-hander's struggles actually ended up with him getting sent down to Triple-A for a stretch, and that's something the Mets can't afford a repeat of in 2026.

The good news is that Senga looked sharp this spring. He put up a 1.86 ERA and 0.72 WHIP with 11 strikeouts in 9.2 innings.

That sets him up to be ready to deliver this season in a way that injuries haven't allowed him to the last couple seasons.

And oh yeah, the Ghost Fork looks really good, too.

"Is Senga back? We hope so," MLB.com's David Adler wrote in a new article. "After an injury plagued last two seasons, the Mets right-hander has his best stuff since his All-Star rookie season in 2023. Senga's fastball has averaged 96.2 mph and topped out at 98.9 mph, and his signature 'Ghost Fork' forkball is striking out hitters at a 50% clip. His breaking balls -- a slider, sweeper and curveball -- have been sharp, too."

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One of the Mets' biggest moves this offseason was to trade for Freddy Peralta from the Milwaukee Brewers. That gives New York a true ace at the front of the rotation, which in turn removes some pressure from Senga.

He can settle into the middle of the starting ranks for the Mets and simply focus on being steady and solid each time he takes the mound.

If Senga can rediscover some of his top form, it raises the upside of the Mets considerably. They'll certainly be hoping his spring performance is an indication of great things to come this season.

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