Report: Kodai Senga Had "Iffy" Physical With Mets

It appears that Carlos Correa isn't the only player that the New York Mets' medical staff had issues with this offseason. According to a new report, Kodai Senga also had a troublesome physical before the Mets and the Japanese star pitcher worked it out contractually—quietly, behind closed doors.

Senga's 5-year, $75M deal with the Mets would likely have been much larger, reports Jon Heyman of The New York Post, if not for an "iffy medical." 

"Based on what he's done probably looks like a bargain, but in reality probably very fair considering the physical"@JonHeyman discusses Kodai Senga's 'iffy' physical that led to 5-year, $75 million deal with #Mets https://t.co/2ZN8HRdoA1 pic.twitter.com/0U2N1Q3T3g

— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) February 3, 2023

"Based on what he's done (in Japan) it probably looks like a bargain, but in reality probably very fair considering the physical," said Heyman.

The story goes on to say that it was a “good behind-the-scenes collaborative effort" that eventually got the deal done. Heyman notes that "it’s common for Japanese pitchers to show more wear on the arm earlier since star starters there throw more innings at younger ages."

The Mets, however, are expressing full confidence Senga will be fully healthy for the 2023 season.

Senga's deal certainly pales in comparison to some of the other contracts handed out for high-end starting pitchers this offseason. Even ones with sketchy injury histories themselves: From Jacob deGrom's 5-year, $185M, to Carlos Rodon's 6-year, $162M, teams were handing out massive deals to starters. But Senga's $75M was undoubtedly negotiated down from a higher starting point due to the unknown. 

Senga compiled a 2.59 ERA in over a decade of pitching in Japan. 

The Mets, of course, had to bail out on a potential big free agent deal with Carlos Correa because of his troubling physical over his ankle. 

Photo: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports