3 teams that will regret not signing Kodai Senga while they had the chance

By Mark Powell | Dec 11, 2022

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 21: Kodai Senga #41 of Japanpitches during the Game 2 of the Championship Round of the 2017 World Baseball Classic between United States and Japan at Dodger Stadium on March 21, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Masterpress/Getty Images) /

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YOKOHAMA, JAPAN – AUGUST 07: Pitcher Kodai Senga #21 of Team Japan reacts after the sixth inning against Team United Staes during the gold medal game between Team United States and Team Japan on day fifteen of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Yokohama Baseball Stadium on August 07, 2021 in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan. (Photo by Koji Watanabe/Getty Images) /

Yankees should’ve signed Kodai Senga

The Yankees remain entrenched in the battle for Carlos Rodon, but they could’ve taken an early exit to sign Kodai Senga to less money. When you consider Hal Steinbrenner just spent $360 million long-term on Aaron Judge, it makes much more sense.

New York still needs a frontline rotation starter and a corner outfielder, and that’s just to contend in the American League. If they hope to take a step forward, signing another star like Carlos Correa would be a great start, but let’s not kid ourselves.

Senga would’ve offered the Yankees more flexibility than what they currently have. As great as Carlos Rodon is, the Yankees already have a rotation full of injury-prone starters. Is adding another to the mix really a smart decision?

New York lost Jameson Taillon this offseason. There’s a clear hole in the middle of the rotation. If they doubted Senga’s transition to the MLB level, then that’s one thing. To not reach his rather cheap demands (as compared to the rest of the market) is another.

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