NEW YORK — The New York Mets finalized a five-year, $75 million deal Saturday with Japanese pitcher Kodai Senga.
The deal includes a termination option for the player after the 2025 season.
The Mets, seeking their first World Series title since 1986, have committed $476.7 million to seven free agents this offseason to add pitchers Senga, Justin Verlander and José Quintana, retained outfielder Brandon Nimmo and Puerto Rican closer Edwin Díaz, signed reliever David Robertson and reached an agreement with Venezuelan catcher Omar Narváez, who is awaiting a medical examination.
The right-hander Kodai Senga did not have to go through the post system in Japan’s major leagues due to his 11 years of service time. Several teams in the United States were looking for the Japanese, including the Boston Red Sox.
“Kodai has been on our radar for several years,” Mets general manager Billy Eppler said in a statement. “Kodai has had great success in his career, including helping lead his team to four Japan Series titles. We are excited to add someone with his ability to our rotation.”
Senga, who turns 30 in January, went 11-6 with a 1.94 ERA in 22 starts for the Pacific League’s Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks last season. He pitched three scoreless innings in two starts for Japan against the United States in last year’s Olympics, allowing one hit and striking out six with two walks.
The Mets’ rotation also includes Venezuelan veteran Carlos Carrasco. New York picked up the $14 million player option for next season after the 35-year-old right-hander finished 15-7, with a 3-97 ERA.
David Peterson and Tylor Megill, both 27, add depth.
We would like to give thanks to the author of this article for this incredible web content
Mets finalize five-year deal with Kodai Senga