Mets still in play for Japanese star Kodai Senga despite recent spending spree

The Mets' payroll has risen significantly this offseason. Earlier this week, the Mets signed three-time Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander (two years, $86 million) and Jose Quintana (two years,$26 million). On Thursday, New York reportedly agreed to two more free agent contracts, signing outfielder Brandon Nimmo (eight years, $162 million) and reliever David Robertson (one year, $10 million). 

According to Spotrac, the Mets are already well over the luxury tax with a 2023 payroll projection of $398 million. 

Despite the Mets' huge payroll and the taxes that will come due, the team seems undeterred in its pursuit of Senga. Michael Marino of Fantrax called Senga the Mets' "top" free agent target and believes that New York is more likely to sign the dynamic pitcher even after all the signings. 

Last season, the 30-year-old finished 11-6 with a 1.94 ERA with 156 strikeouts and 27 walks in 144 innings pitched for the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks.

Senga's peak velocity in 2022 was 101.9, according to MLB.com's Thomas Harrigan. Still, there are questions about his "command and arsenal" and if he'd fit better as a starter or in the bullpen. 

On Tuesday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that Senga's market included the Mets, San Francisco Giants, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, San Diego Padres, and Texas Rangers.