(New York) The New York Mets and Japanese pitcher Kodai Senga finalized a five-year, $75 million deal on Saturday.
The contract includes a player escape clause after the 2025 season.
Seeking their first World Series win since 1986, the Mets spent $476.7 million on seven free agents this offseason.
The New Yorkers signed Senga pitchers Justin Verlander and José Quintana, retained center fielder Brandon Nimmo and stopper Edwin Diaz, added reliever David Robertson and came to a agreement with receiver Omar Narváez, who must pass his physical evaluations.
Senga, a right-hander who throws with a lot of power, didn’t have to go through the posting system with the Japanese major leagues because he played 11 seasons. Several Major League Baseball teams were looking to sign him to a contract, including the Boston Red Sox.
“Kodai was on our radar for several years,” Mets general manager Billy Eppler said. Kodai had outstanding success during his career and he helped his team to four consecutive titles in the Japan playoffs. We are thrilled to add someone so talented to our rotation. »
Senga, who will celebrate his 30e birthday in January, went 11-6 with a 1.94 ERA in 22 starts last season with the Fukuoka Hawks of the Pacific League. He gave up no runs in three innings against the United States at the 2021 Tokyo Summer Olympics.
Senga, Verlander and Quintana replaced the three Mets starters who became free agents after the 2022 season: Jacob deGrom, Taijuan Walker and Chris Bassitt.
The starting rotation also includes veteran Carlos Carrasco. The Mets accepted his $14 million option for the next season.