MLB insider believes New York Mets manager must provide Kodai Senga time to adjust in his debut season

Kodai Senga, a highly touted pitcher from Japan, will make his debut season in American baseball with the New York Mets. As the transition from Japanese to American baseball is no easy feat, manager Buck Showalter and his staff will have to work hard to help Senga adjust to Major League Baseball.

Senga spent the last ten seasons with the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks in Japan and is known for his powerful arm and versatile pitching abilities. However, the style of play there is vastly different from that in America, so Senga will have to adapt quickly if he wants to make a significant impact in his debut MLB season.

One of the most significant challenges Senga will face is the difference in the size of the baseball. In Japan, the baseball is smaller and lighter, allowing pitchers to throw more breaking pitches with greater accuracy. In contrast, American baseballs are larger and heavier, making it more challenging for pitchers to control their breaking pitches.

Another challenge Senga will face is the difference in the strike zone. In Japan, the strike zone is smaller, and the umpires are more lenient when calling balls and strikes. In contrast, the strike zone in America is larger, and the umpires are stricter in calling pitches. Senga will have to adjust to the new strike zone and fine-tune his pitches to make sure they're in the strike zone.

MLB insider Mike Puma wrote:

"Kodai Senga will be adjusting to American baseball after a standout career pitching in Japan’s Pacific League. Buck Showalter and his staff will have to get a feel for the right-hander, speak through an interpreter, and try to find a comfort level for him."

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How can Buck Showalter and Mets pitching staff get the best out of Kodai Senga?

Kodai Senga will also have to adjust to the different playing styles in America. Japanese baseball is known for its focus on bunting, hit-and-run plays, and stealing bases.

In contrast, American baseball is more focused on power-hitting, and there's less emphasis on small-ball strategies. Senga will have to learn to pitch in a way that's more suited to American baseball, where hitters are more likely to swing for the fences.

The New York Mets organization is also making efforts to support Kodai Senga in his transition. For example, they have assigned a translator to work with Senga and help him communicate with his teammates and coaches. They have also provided him with a personal trainer to help him adjust to the different training methods in America.

It will surely be interesting to see one of Japan's best pitchers play in the MLB as the Mets make their bid for the World Series.