Kodai Senga still thriving in bullpen but Mets 2027 role a question mark

Kodai Senga eventually found his 2026 niche but his role for next season remains uncertain, David Stearns said.The high-octane but high-variance righty flamed out of the Mets rotation by the middle of the season, owning a 10.08 ERA after a June 23 start.Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mike Puma about the inside buzz on the Mets.

But given a look in the bullpen — and eventually at the very back of it, stepping in for Devin Williams as the team’s closer — Senga has found a new life.He is 5-for-5 in save opportunities and has been excellent in short bursts, with a 1.54 ERA in 12 games that include a scoreless ninth Friday, since the trade deadline that created additional bullpen spots.“It’s fun to see,” Stearns said before the Mets’ 10-6 win over the Giants at Citi Field.

“I think his investment in that role — even though he views himself as a starter, I think he’d prefer to start — but his investment in that role and the way he embraced that role I think is a great example for his teammates, for the organization as a whole.… And he’s done a great job.

Where that is going forward next year? Still to be determined.”There is an obvious and enticing ceiling if given a leash in the rotation for a righty who was a 2023 All-Star, but he has volleyed between injuries and ineffectiveness since.Next year the Mets will have Nolan McLean and Christian Scott in their rotation.Given his contract and upturn, Sean Manaea will be in the group, too.

With just about every start, Zac Thornton is demonstrating he deserves a 2027 shot.Robert Stock, Tylor Megill and Jonah Tong are among the in-house possibilities, to go along with whomever Stearns brings in through free agency or trade.Figuring out the role for Senga, who is due $15 million next season, will be for this winter and spring after enjoying what they have seen from him this August and September.Stock, who threw 72 pitches as a starter M...