The Atlanta Braves have pulled off a major move, officially acquiring star closer from the New York Mets on a lucrative five-year, $75 million deal. The blockbuster signing bolsters an already strong Braves roster, giving them one of the most dominant bullpen arms in the National League.
Senga, 31, has been a key piece for the Mets since arriving from Japan’s NPB league in 2023. He made an immediate impact in MLB, posting a stellar 2.98 ERA with 202 strikeouts in his first season while earning an All-Star nod. Known for his devastating “ghost fork” splitter, Senga quickly became one of the most feared pitchers in baseball.
Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos expressed excitement about the acquisition. “Kodai is a proven elite talent who will immediately strengthen our bullpen. His ability to shut down opposing lineups in high-pressure situations makes him a perfect fit for our team’s championship aspirations.”
The move comes as a shock to Mets fans, as Senga was initially signed as a frontline starter. However, injuries limited his availability in 2024, and the Mets eventually transitioned him into a high-leverage bullpen role. With Atlanta, Senga is expected to take over as the team’s primary closer, forming a formidable late-game duo with A.J. Minter.
For the Braves, adding a dominant arm like Senga is a statement of intent as they look to reclaim the World Series title. With an already stacked lineup featuring Ronald Acuña Jr., Matt Olson, and Austin Riley, solidifying the bullpen was one of the team’s biggest offseason priorities.
As the 2025 season approaches, Braves fans are buzzing about the addition of Senga, while Mets fans are left wondering about their team’s next move. One thing is certain: Atlanta just got a whole lot tougher to beat.
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