Kodai Senga Comments on Yoshinobu Yamamoto Spurning Mets

Spring Training for the New York Mets is underway. The Mets head to St. Lucie, Fla. as both pitchers and catchers reported on Feb. 14. This is the start of a new year for New York as they look to rebound from a disappointing 2023 season.

Before things got rolling down in Florida, the Mets were looking to make a splash signing during free agency. New York was interested in adding Yoshinobu Yamamoto to the rotation. They met with him twice in December, hoping to sway him.

Starting pitcher Kodai Senga was another person within New York's organization who wanted Yamamoto to come to town. Senga reportedly “made it vocal to Mets management that he wants Yamamoto to be a Met.”

Despite the efforts from Senga and New York's front office, Yamamoto agreed to a 12-year, $325 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Leading up to the signing, Senga was consistently in contact with Yamamoto. The two pitchers are both from Japan and talked about playing together. Obviously, things didn't work out but Senga was thrilled for Yamamoto. He said, "I'm happy that he made the best decision for himself and hope for the best for him."

Even though Yamamoto ended up in Los Angeles, Senga still wishes the best for the emerging stud.

Senga is still fairly new to the Mets himself. In 2022, the 31-year-old signed a five-year, $75 million deal with New York. Before coming to the United States, Senga played in the Nippon Professional Baseball League from 2012-2022.

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