What happened: New York finished 74-88 and missed the postseason for a second straight season. Kodai Senga is entering the final guaranteed season of a five-year, $75 million deal. President of baseball operations David Stearns said a starting-or-relief determination will wait until spring training.

Why it matters: Senga's deal carries a conditional $15 million club option for 2028 tied to elbow surgery or a 130-day injured-list stay. New York needs production in any role that contributes to a winning club after consecutive October absences. Prospect depth and the free-agent market for a frontline starter give the front office other ways to reshape the roster.

What to watch: Watch spring training for Senga's role call and whether New York moves him before Opening Day. Free-agent pitching adds and prospect-fueled impact talks are the parallel levers.