Sean Manaea’s Return to the Mets: A Game-Changer for New York’s Rotation
In a move that has sent ripples through the baseball world, left-hander Sean Manaea and the New York Mets have agreed on a three-year, $75 million contract. This deal, as sources have confirmed to ESPN, ensures that the veteran pitcher remains with the team he played a pivotal role in leading to an unexpected National League Championship Series appearance.
At 32, Manaea has truly come into his own, evolving into a key figure in the Mets’ rotation. His performance this year was nothing short of impressive, boasting a 12-6 record with a 3.47 ERA and striking out 184 batters over 181.2 innings pitched. This new contract, pending a physical, will significantly boost Manaea’s career earnings, marking another chapter in the Mets’ ongoing spree of substantial offseason investments.
Just last winter, Manaea inked a two-year, $28 million deal with the Mets, which included an opt-out clause. Exercising this option, he turned down New York’s one-year, $21.05 million qualifying offer, opting instead to test the free agent waters. His decision paid off, as he attracted interest from numerous teams eager to bolster their pitching staff.
The current market for starting pitchers has been particularly favorable, with Manaea becoming the sixth pitcher to secure a free agent deal exceeding $21 million annually and the 12th to surpass $13 million in average annual value. His impact on the Mets was profound, both on the mound, where his adjusted arm slot contributed to a standout season, and in the clubhouse, where he emerged as a leader. The Mets found his return too enticing to resist.
Already, the Mets have made headlines by awarding the largest contract in sports history to outfielder Juan Soto, a staggering 15-year, $765 million deal. With Luis Severino and Jose Quintana entering free agency, the Mets have strategically reinforced their rotation by signing right-handers Frankie Montas and Clay Holmes, the latter transitioning from a relief role to a starting position. Additionally, they secured right-handed starter Griffin Canning. Their total free agent spending this winter has reached an eye-popping $916.25 million.
Manaea’s return to the Mets places him among the elite pitchers of this offseason, joining the likes of Blake Snell, Max Fried, and Nathan Eovaldi in the $25 million-a-year club. Since being drafted by the Kansas City Royals with the 34th pick in 2013, Manaea has been a physical marvel, using his 6-foot-5, 250-pound frame to create deception that enhances his low-90s fastball.
With the Mets, Manaea shifted back to a sinker-heavy approach after two years of predominantly using four-seam fastballs. This change, along with lowering his arm slot to emulate NL Cy Young Award winner Chris Sale, significantly boosted his performance, allowing him to resemble his 2021 form.
Manaea also shone in the postseason, conceding just two runs over five innings in a wild-card round start and delivering seven innings of one-run baseball in a division series victory against the Philadelphia Phillies. Although he struggled in Game 6 of the NLCS, getting knocked out in the third inning, his overall postseason contributions were invaluable.
As he embarks on his 10th season in Queens, Manaea’s career stats include 1,184.1 innings pitched, a 4.00 ERA, 1,109 strikeouts, 335 walks, and 158 home runs allowed. The Mets, meanwhile, have several options to further enhance their lineup following the addition of Soto. They could re-sign first baseman Pete Alonso or pursue third baseman Alex Bregman, potentially shifting Mark Vientos from first to third. The Mets are also exploring the free agent outfield market and remain active in trade discussions.
- Sean Manaea’s new contract: 3 years, $75 million
- Mets’ total free agent spending this winter: $916.25 million
- Juan Soto’s contract: 15 years, $765 million
Originally Written by: Jeff Passan
