Just a few weeks ago, it seemed as if Kodai Senga‘s time with the Mets could be coming to an end. The pitcher who burst onto the scene as a rookie in 2023 felt like a distant memory. Whether it was as a starter or in long relief, Senga couldn’t rediscover that level of performance. But with the team out of the playoff race, the Mets gave him one more chance in another role. Closer. A high-leverage reliever, with stuff that can be quite effective in much shorter outings. So far, that decision has paid off.

Senga has thrown one inning in all of his five appearances this month. He has yet to allow a run, surrendering one hit and two walks, to go along with seven strikeouts. Senga has a save in three straight outings, including two against the Nationals over the weekend. “I think every single player wants to impact winning, and he’s done that in a pretty profound way over the past 10 days,” interim manager Andy Green said.

He has five strikeouts over this stretch with three saves. All five have come on his forkball. It’s no surprise that Senga’s best weapon is playing up in shorter outings, as opposing hitters cannot adjust to the timing of it in one inning. With a fastball that can hit 100 mph, the only thing that can really hold him back is a lack of control.

So, what does this mean for Senga moving forward? It’s hard to see him not remaining in this role, certainly until Devin Williams returns from the injured list. After that, alternating between setup man and closer would be the best-case scenario. A case can be made that Senga’s days as a starter should be over, at least with the Mets. Over the last three seasons, he has failed to be consistent enough in that role.

With the Mets trading away two relievers with club control in 2027 (Luke Weaver and Huascar Brazobán), the bullpen will need to be rebuilt this offseason. But if Senga can continue to pitch like this, that may allow them to spend money in other areas. That would be a huge win for a team looking to contend in 2027. “It’s certainly easier to prepare knowing that you’re going later in the game, easier to prepare, easier to get ready and warm up, ” Senga said last week. Maybe this is the start of an unexpected turnaround in his big league career.