Mets’ Kodai Senga Hopes to Stay Put Amid Trade Buzz
Kodai Senga’s name has been floating around the trade rumor mill this offseason, but if it were up to him, he’d still be suiting up in Queens come Opening Day. The right-hander, who made a strong impression in his first year in the majors, has reportedly expressed a desire to remain with the Mets-a sentiment that should resonate with a fan base hungry for stability in a season of change.
Senga’s value is clear. His splitter is one of the nastiest pitches in baseball, and he showed he can handle the grind of a full MLB season.
For a Mets team trying to retool on the fly, keeping a frontline starter like Senga could be a key piece of the puzzle. The front office has some tough decisions ahead, but Senga’s preference to stay might factor into how aggressively they shop him-or don’t.
Around the NL East: Names to Know and Winter League Highlights
Let’s take a quick trip around the National League East, where a few familiar names are making some offseason noise.
First, a shoutout to Braves reliever Pierce Johnson-not just for his solid bullpen work, but for having one of the more memorable names in baseball. Johnson was a key part of Atlanta’s relief corps last season, and he figures to be an important piece again in 2026.
Meanwhile, Ronald Acuña Jr. is doing what Ronald Acuña Jr. does-putting on a show. The reigning NL MVP is currently playing in Venezuela’s winter league, and by all accounts, he’s drawing the kind of attention you’d expect from one of the game’s brightest stars. The energy, the swagger, the bat flips-it’s all there, even in the offseason.
Down in Miami, keep an eye on Connor Norby. While he might not be a household name yet, the versatile infielder could find himself in the Marlins’ first base mix by the time the 2026 season rolls around. He’s got the kind of bat that could force the issue if he keeps developing.
Around MLB: Offseason Moves and International Headlines
Jose Castillo’s journey is taking him overseas. After being non-tendered by the Mets, the left-handed reliever is heading to Japan, where he’ll join the Chiba Lotte Marines. It’s a move that makes sense for both sides-Castillo gets a fresh start, and the Mets clear a roster spot as they reshape their bullpen.
Speaking of Japan, Yusei Kikuchi is having a different kind of offseason. The Blue Jays lefty has been spending time giving back to the kids in his home country, spreading positivity and inspiring the next generation.
He also hinted at some big news: he’s planning to represent Japan in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. That’s a major boost for a team that already figures to be one of the tournament’s powerhouses.
And while the Orioles ultimately landed Ryan Helsley, the Blue Jays were reportedly in the mix for the hard-throwing reliever before he signed. Toronto is still shopping for late-inning help, and with the market for high-leverage arms heating up, don’t be surprised if they make another move soon.
From trade rumors in New York to winter league highlights in Venezuela and bullpen reshuffling across the league, the offseason is already delivering its fair share of intrigue. And with winter meetings just around the corner, the hot stove is only going to get hotter.