The hidden wrinkle that could kill a Padres trade for Kodai Senga before it starts

The Padres are, and have been, the team to watch this offseason when it comes to targeting starting pitching. The team already lost Dylan Cease to the Toronto Blue Jays, and all signs point to Michael King following the same path elsewhere.

President of baseball operations, A.J. Preller, publicly acknowledged the for a starter at the Las Vegas general manager meetings. In fact, he made it the team’s No. 1 priority.

One stubborn detail in Kodai Senga’s deal could derail any Padres trade talks

“Every year, every team in here is talking about starting pitching,” Preller said. But especially with Michael King and Dylan Cease in free agency, along with Yu Darvish’s injury, it’s probably going to be our top need going into the offseason.”

However, this event occurred nearly a month ago, and since then, Cease has already signed with another team. While expected, the need for rotation help is now even more important than ever.

The Padres have around $80 million in available payroll, which may seem like a lot, but it may not be feasible to break the bank on a starting pitcher with the roster having other holes to fill (right side of the infield). While San Diego may use some of that money as a way to make a splash towards the rotation.

Another way the team may address the need is via trade, as there are plenty of teams that may make a trade or two during the offseason that free up space for prospects. One team in particular that may deal off one of their starters is the New York Mets, who saw the debuts of Nolan McLean, Jonah Tong, and Brandon Sproat in 2025.

The starter who may be dealt is Kodai Senga, as he saw a drop-off in production this season compared to that of his rookie year. While his stats look pretty good, his efficiency was way down, as he posted a 1.3 WHIP.

Teams still see tons of potential in the 32-year-old Japanese-born pitcher, and the Mets have received inquiries about him.

On an important note, Senga has publicly stated his desire to remain in New York, even though the team plans on exploring offers for him.

The Mets already have Nolan McLean, who looks like a future ace. The rookie posted a 2.08 ERA over 48 innings pitched while commanding an excellent sinker/sweeper combo that makes opposing hitters look foolish. 

There seems to be a conflict of interest in Queens, as while the Mets may benefit from trading Senga, they may be hesitant to do so, not only because he wants to stay, but the potential to have a four-headed monster for 2026.

If this option falls through for Preller and the Padres, it will be up to them to evaluate other options on the trade market, preferably from teams that may be selling off key players.