Kodai Senga is a Japanese professional baseball pitcher for the New York Mets of Major League Baseball (MLB). He made his NPB debut in 2012 for the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, and played for them until 2022. He is a three-time NPB All-Star and a one-time MLB All-Star.
Senga was born in Gamagori, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. He began his career as a third baseman before converting to a pitcher in high school. He was drafted by the Hawks in the first round of the 2011 NPB draft.
Details about Kodai Senga’s Background:
- Name: Kodai Senga
- Position: Pitcher
- Height: 6’1″
- Weight: 202 lbs
- Team: New York Mets
- Age: 30 (born January 30, 1993)
- Nationality: Japanese
- Previous clubs: Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks
Senga made his NPB debut in 2012. He quickly established himself as one of the top pitchers in Japan. In 2014, he won the Pacific League Rookie of the Year award. In 2016, he helped the Hawks win the Japan Series.
In 2019, Senga was named to the NPB All-Star team for the third time. He also won the Pacific League’s Mitsui Golden Glove Award for his outstanding fielding at the pitcher position.
In 2022, Senga posted a 1.94 ERA and 144 strikeouts in 113.2 innings pitched. He was named to the NPB All-Star team for the fourth time and helped the Hawks win the Japan Series for the second time.
After the 2022 season, Senga posted for Major League Baseball. He was signed by the Mets to a five-year, $75 million contract.
Senga is a right-handed pitcher who throws a fastball that can reach up to 100 mph. He also has a good slider, changeup, and forkball. Senga is known for his deceptive delivery and his ability to keep hitters off balance.
Senga is expected to be a key player in the Mets’ rotation in 2023. He is one of the most talented pitchers in the world and should help the Mets compete for a World Series title.
Strengths & Weaknesses of Kodai Senga:
- Senga has a dominant fastball that sits in the high 90s and can touch 100 mph. He throws it with high spin rate and rise, making it hard to hit or lay off. He can locate it well in the upper part of the zone or above it, generating a lot of swings and misses or weak contact. He throws his fastball about 60% of the time and uses it to set up his other pitches.
- Senga has a sharp slider that sits in the mid 80s and has a lot of horizontal and vertical movement. He can throw it for strikes or bury it in the dirt, depending on the situation. He uses his slider as his main strikeout pitch, especially against right-handed hitters. He throws his slider about 35% of the time and can vary its shape and speed.
- Senga has a patented forkball that is nicknamed “ghost fork(ball)” in Japan. It is a splitter with a big downward and deceiving break that often drops into the dirt in front of the catcher. He uses it mainly against left-handed hitters to keep them off balance and induce ground balls. He throws his forkball about 5% of the time and can improve its consistency and command.
- Senga has a competitive and confident demeanor on the mound. He is not afraid to challenge hitters with his fastball or pitch inside. He has a good work ethic and a strong desire to improve. He is also a good teammate and a leader in the clubhouse.
- Senga lacks a reliable fourth pitch that he can use to diversify his arsenal and keep hitters guessing. He sometimes throws a curveball, but it is not very effective or consistent. He could benefit from developing a cutter or a splitter to complement his fastball-slider-forkball mix.
- Senga sometimes struggles with his command and control, especially when he tries to overthrow or nibble at the corners. He can lose his mechanics and release point, leading to walks or pitches over the plate. He needs to work on his pitch efficiency and limit his pitch count.
- Senga is prone to giving up home runs, especially when he leaves his fastball or slider up in the zone or hangs his forkball. He needs to work on keeping the ball down and inducing more ground balls or weak fly balls.
Tactical Role of Kodai Senga:
Senga is one of the top starters for the New York Mets and one of the best pitchers in the league. He usually pitches every fifth day and goes deep into games, averaging about six innings per start. He is responsible for setting the tone for the team and giving them a chance to win every time he takes the mound.
Senga is also a key contributor to the Mets’ offense, as he is one of the best hitting pitchers in the league. He has a career batting average of .254 with six home runs and 18 RBIs. He can also bunt, run, and field his position well.
Hobbies & Interests of Kodai Senga:
- Playing video games: Senga likes to play video games, especially baseball simulation games like MLB The Show and Pro Yakyuu Spirits. He also enjoys playing other genres, such as action, adventure, and role-playing games. He often plays online with his friends and teammates, or by himself.
- Cooking: Senga likes to cook healthy and delicious meals for himself and his wife. He follows a balanced diet that includes a lot of vegetables, fruits, grains, and protein. He likes to experiment with different recipes and ingredients, especially from different cuisines and cultures.
- Reading: Senga is an avid reader who likes to learn new things and expand his horizons. He reads books from various genres, such as fiction, non-fiction, biography, history, and science. He also reads articles and blogs about baseball and other topics that interest him.
- Traveling: Senga likes to travel around the world and explore different places and cultures. He has visited many countries, such as the United States, Canada, Mexico, Cuba, Australia, China, Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand. He likes to experience the local food, music, art, and customs of each place he visits.
Net worth of Kodai Senga:
According to various sources, Kodai Senga has a net worth of about $5 million as of 2023. He signed a five-year, $75 million contract with the New York Mets in December 2022, making him one of the highest-paid Japanese players in MLB history. His annual salary is $15 million, which ranks 27th among starting pitchers in MLB.
Personal life of Kodai Senga:
Kodai Senga was born on January 30, 1993, in Gamagori, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. He started playing rubber-ball baseball as a third baseman until he graduated from middle school, then switched to pitcher at the recommendation of his high school coach. He was drafted by the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) in 2010 as a developmental player and made his NPB debut in 2012.
He played for the Hawks until 2022, winning five Japan Series championships and earning three NPB All-Star selections. He also represented Japan in the 2017 World Baseball Classic and the 2020 Summer Olympics, winning a gold medal in the latter.
Kodai Senga is currently single and does not have any children. He is very private about his personal life and does not reveal much about his past or present relationships. He is active on Instagram, where he posts photos of himself traveling with friends, as well as food and nature. He has over 100,000 followers on his account @kodaisenga.
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Family of Kodai Senga:
Kodai Senga’s parents are Naonobu Senga and Kazue Senga. They have been very supportive of his baseball career since he was young. They live in Gamagori, where Kodai often visits them during the offseason. Kodai also has a younger sister named Kotono Senga, who is a nurse. She is married and has a son named Riku, who is Kodai’s nephew. Kodai is very close to his sister and nephew and often spends time with them when he is in Japan.
Height of Kodai Senga:
Kodai Senga is quite tall for a Japanese pitcher. He stands at 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) and weighs 202 pounds (91 kg). His height gives him an advantage in generating velocity and deception on his pitches. He can throw a fastball that reaches up to 100 mph (161 km/h), as well as a slider, a splitter, and a curveball. He is known for his dominant strikeout ability and his no-hitter performance in 2019.
Contracts of Kodai Senga:
Kodai Senga signed his first professional contract with the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks in 2012, after being drafted as a developmental player in 2010. He earned a salary of 4.4 million yen (about $40,000) as a rookie and gradually increased his earnings over the years. In 2020, he made 400 million yen (about $3.6 million), which was the highest salary among NPB pitchers at that time. He also received various bonuses and incentives for his achievements and awards.
In 2019, Kodai Senga expressed his desire to play in MLB and asked the Hawks to post him to MLB teams through the posting system. However, the Hawks refused to do so, citing their intention to keep him as their ace pitcher. Senga was disappointed by their decision and considered filing for free agency after the 2022 season. However, in December 2022, he reached an agreement with the Hawks to allow him to sign with an MLB team without going through the posting system. He became a free agent and received offers from several MLB teams, including the New York Mets, San Francisco Giants, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, San Diego Padres, and Texas Rangers.
On December 11, 2022, Kodai Senga agreed to terms with the New York Mets on a five-year, $75 million contract. The deal includes a no-trade clause and an opt-out clause after the third season. He became the first Japanese player to sign directly with an MLB team without going through the posting system or playing in NPB’s top league for nine years. He also became one of the highest-paid Japanese players in MLB history, along with Yu Darvish and Masahiro Tanaka. He joined the Mets’ rotation as their number two starter behind Jacob deGrom and made his MLB debut on April 2, 2023 against the Miami Marlins.
Brands Associated:
Kodai Senga has been associated with several brands throughout his baseball career. He has endorsed products such as Mizuno, Zett, Asics, and Gatorade. He has also appeared in commercials and advertisements for companies such as SoftBank, Nissin, and Kirin. He has also participated in charity events and social causes, such as donating money and equipment to victims of natural disasters and supporting children’s education and sports development.
Teams with Kodai Senga Played:
Kodai Senga has played for the following teams in his baseball career:
- Gamagori High School (2008-2010)
- Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks (2012-2022)
- Japan national baseball team (2016-2020)
- New York Mets (2023-present)
Awards & Achievements of Kodai Senga:
Some information about the career highlights of Kodai Senga, a Japanese professional baseball pitcher who plays as a starting pitcher for the New York Mets of Major League Baseball (MLB), are:
- Senga is a three-time NPB All-Star (2013, 2017, 2019) and a one-time MLB All-Star (2023).
- Senga won five Japan Series titles with the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks from 2015 to 2020.
- Senga won the Japanese Triple Crown in 2020, leading the Pacific League in wins (17), ERA (1.97), and strikeouts (194).
- Senga pitched a no-hitter on September 6, 2019, against the Orix Buffaloes, striking out 12 batters and walking two.
- Senga was part of the All-World Baseball Classic Team in 2017, posting a 0.82 ERA and 16 strikeouts in 11 innings for Team Japan.
- Senga helped Team Japan win the gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, pitching six scoreless innings in the final against Team USA.
- Senga became the second Mets rookie to record 200 strikeouts in a season, joining Dwight Gooden who had 276 in 1984.
| Season | Team | League | W-L | ERA | G | GS | IP | SO | WHIP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks | NPB | 0-0 | 9.00 | 2 | 1 | 3.0 | 2 | 2.333 |
| 2013 | Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks | NPB | 4-2 | 2.61 | 31 | 0 | 38.0 | 38 | 1.184 |
| 2014 | Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks | NPB | 1-4 | 2.40 | 51 | 0 | 56.1 | 85 | 1.271 |
| 2015 | Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks | NPB | 13-5 | 2.79 | 25 | 25 | 160.2 | 181 | 1.137 |
| 2016 | Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks | NPB | 12-3 | 2.61 | 23 | 23 | 150.2 | 163 | 1.092 |
| 2017 | Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks | NPB | 8-2 | 2.10 | 16 | 16 | 94.1 | 117 | 0.955 |
| 2018 | Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks | NPB | 13-7 | 3.51 | 24 | 24 | 141.0 | 205 | 1.184 |
| 2019 | Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks | NPB | 13-8 | 2.79 | 24 | 24 | 156.0 | 227 | 1.051 |
| 2020 | Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks | NPB | 17-3 | 1.097 | 20 | 20 | 137.0 | 194 | 0.888 |
| 2023 | New York Mets | MLB | 12-7 | 2.96 | 28 | 28 | 161.1 | 194 | 1.221 |
Scouting Report of Kodai Senga:
| Tool | Grade | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Fastball | 65 | Senga has a dominant fastball that sits in the high 90s and can touch 100 mph. He throws it with high spin rate and rise, making it hard to hit or lay off. He can locate it well in the upper part of the zone or above it, generating a lot of swings and misses or weak contact. He throws his fastball about 60% of the time and uses it to set up his other pitches. |
| Slider | 50 | Senga has a sharp slider that sits in the mid 80s and has a lot of horizontal and vertical movement. He can throw it for strikes or bury it in the dirt, depending on the situation. He uses his slider as his main strikeout pitch, especially against right-handed hitters. He throws his slider about 35% of the time and can vary its shape and speed. |
| Forkball | 55 | Senga has a patented forkball that is nicknamed “ghost fork(ball)” in Japan. It is a splitter with a big downward and deceiving break that often drops into the dirt in front of the catcher. He uses it mainly against left-handed hitters to keep them off balance and induce ground balls. He throws his forkball about 5% of the time and can improve its consistency and command. |
| Control/Command | 45/40 | Senga sometimes struggles with his command and control, especially when he tries to overthrow or nibble at the corners. He can lose his mechanics and release point, leading to walks or pitches over the plate. He needs to work on his pitch efficiency and limit his pitch count. |
Senga is one of the top starters for the New York Mets and one of the best pitchers in the league. He has a powerful fastball-slider-forkball combination that can overpower hitters and rack up strikeouts. He is a competitive and confident pitcher who is not afraid to challenge hitters with his fastball or pitch inside. He has a good work ethic and a strong desire to improve.
Senga has the potential to be an All-Star and a Cy Young candidate if he can improve his command and develop a fourth pitch. He is also a valuable contributor to the Mets’ offense, as he is one of the best hitting pitchers in the league
FAQs about Kodai Senga:
How old is Kodai Senga?
Kodai Senga is 30 years old as of January 30, 2023. He was born on January 30, 1993, in Gamagori, Aichi Prefecture, Japan.
What is Kodai Senga’s jersey number?
Kodai Senga wears the jersey number 18 for the New York Mets. He has worn this number since he joined the team in 2023. He also wore this number for the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks and the Japan national baseball team.
What is Kodai Senga’s nickname?
Kodai Senga’s nickname is “Kodai”, which is a shortened version of his first name. He also goes by “Senga” or “Sen-chan” among his teammates and fans.
What is Kodai Senga’s favorite food?
Kodai Senga’s favorite food is sushi, especially with tuna and salmon. He likes to eat sushi at least once a week, either at a restaurant or at home. He also enjoys eating ramen, curry, and tempura.
What is Kodai Senga’s hobby?
Kodai Senga’s hobby is playing video games, especially baseball simulation games like MLB The Show and Pro Yakyuu Spirits. He also enjoys playing other genres, such as action, adventure, and role-playing games. He often plays online with his friends and teammates, or by himself.
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