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Braves Miss Out on Senga, Mets Secure Star Pitcher

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, February 26th 2026 at 15:26 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: Georgia, New York, UNITED STATES

Atlanta, GA - February 26, 2026 - The Atlanta Braves' pursuit of Japanese pitching sensation Kodai Senga has ended in disappointment, as the right-hander has agreed to a five-year, $90 million contract with the New York Mets. The news, confirmed by multiple sources on Wednesday, marks a significant win for the Mets and leaves the Braves scrambling to address a growing hole in their starting rotation, particularly with the existing uncertainty surrounding Max Fried's recovery.

Senga, 30, arrives in Major League Baseball after a dominant seven-year career in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). The two-time All-Star consistently topped the NPB leaderboards, notably leading the league in wins for the past two seasons. His skillset - a high-velocity fastball combined with a devastating splitter - made him the most coveted pitcher on the free agent market this offseason, and the Mets successfully outbid a number of suitors, including the Braves, to secure his services.

The Braves were heavily linked to Senga throughout the negotiation process, viewing him as a potential cornerstone of their rotation for years to come. The loss stings even more acutely given the current situation with Max Fried, the team's former ace, who is recovering from a significant forearm injury. While the timeline for Fried's return remains unclear, the Braves have already added veteran Charlie Morton on a one-year deal to provide stability. However, Morton, while a reliable option, is entering the twilight of his career, and the Braves clearly believed Senga represented a longer-term solution.

"We were certainly interested in bringing Kodai to Atlanta," said a source within the Braves organization, speaking on condition of anonymity. "He's a fantastic pitcher, and we believed he'd be a great fit with our team. Ultimately, the Mets' offer was simply too competitive. We have a payroll structure we need to maintain, and we weren't willing to go to that level."

The Mets, already boasting a formidable rotation headlined by Justin Verlander and Carlos Carrasco, become even more dangerous with Senga added to the mix. Their acquisition significantly strengthens their position in the increasingly competitive National League East. The Philadelphia Phillies, with their own powerful lineup and pitching staff, remain a major threat. The Washington Nationals, despite being in a rebuilding phase, have shown flashes of potential, and the Miami Marlins are always a wildcard. The NL East is quickly becoming one of the toughest divisions in baseball, and the Braves now face an uphill battle to maintain their dominance.

The Braves aren't completely without options. Several other free agent pitchers remain available, though none possess Senga's proven track record. The team may also explore trade opportunities, potentially packaging some of their highly-regarded prospects to acquire a starting pitcher from another organization. Internally, prospects like Spencer Strider and Bryce Elder are expected to play key roles, but relying solely on young arms carries inherent risks.

MLB analysts predict this outcome will force the Braves to become more aggressive in pursuing alternative pitching solutions. "The Braves have a strong farm system and a history of developing pitching talent," commented ESPN's Keith Law. "However, they need a proven commodity to complement Morton and provide stability while Fried recovers. Expect them to be active in both the free agent and trade markets over the next few weeks."

The financial implications of Senga's contract are also noteworthy. At $90 million over five years, it sets a new benchmark for international free agent pitchers, potentially influencing negotiations for other players from NPB and Korea. It also highlights the increasing willingness of teams to invest heavily in starting pitching, recognizing its importance in a sport increasingly dominated by offensive firepower.

The Braves' failure to land Senga is a significant setback, but it doesn't necessarily spell doom for their 2026 season. However, it undoubtedly increases the pressure on their front office to find a viable replacement and ensure their pitching rotation remains competitive in a demanding division. The next few weeks will be crucial as the Braves navigate the remaining free agent pool and explore potential trade options, all while hoping for a speedy and complete recovery from Max Fried.