Sean Manaea Returns to New York Mets with a 3-Year, $75 Million Deal
Sean Manaea, a talented left-handed pitcher, has agreed to a 3-year, $75 million contract with the New York Mets, according to sources close to ESPN. This significant deal keeps the seasoned pitcher with the team he helped propel to an unexpected appearance in the National League Championship Series.
At 32 years old, Manaea played a pivotal role in the Mets’ rotation last season, achieving a 12-6 record with a 3.47 ERA and recording 184 strikeouts over 181⅔ innings. The agreement, pending finalization, will more than double Manaea’s career earnings and cements the Mets’ commitment to assembling a competitive roster this offseason.
Last winter, Manaea signed a two-year, $28 million deal with the Mets, which included an opt-out clause that he exercised. By rejecting a $21.05 million qualifying offer from New York, Manaea entered free agency and garnered interest from several teams. However, his stellar performance and leadership on and off the field made him a priority for the Mets.
A Hot Market for Pitchers
The market for starting pitchers this offseason has been highly lucrative. Manaea is the sixth pitcher to secure a free-agent contract exceeding $21 million annually and the 12th to achieve an average annual value above $13 million. His success with the Mets, highlighted by improved mechanics and a redefined pitching arsenal, made him an attractive option for teams seeking elite talent.
During his two seasons with the Mets, Manaea refined his skills, moving away from predominantly four-seam fastballs and incorporating a deceptive delivery similar to Chris Sale, the NL Cy Young Award winner. This transformation led to a standout year reminiscent of his 2021 peak.
Postseason Performance
Manaea’s postseason contributions were also impressive. He allowed just two runs over five innings in a wild-card game and pitched seven innings of one-run baseball in a series-clinching victory against the Philadelphia Phillies. Although he struggled in Game 6 of the NLCS against the Los Angeles Dodgers, his overall postseason performance demonstrated his value as a reliable starter under pressure.
Mets’ Ambitious Offseason Moves
The Mets’ offseason spending spree has been headline-worthy, with a historic 15-year, $765 million deal for outfielder Juan Soto leading the charge. Additionally, the team added right-handers Frankie Montas, Clay Holmes (transitioning to a starting role), and Griffin Canning to bolster their pitching staff. In total, the Mets have committed $916.25 million to free agents this offseason, a testament to their win-now mentality.
Manaea’s return aligns him with elite pitchers such as Blake Snell, Max Fried, and Nathan Eovaldi, all earning $25 million annually. Drafted by the Kansas City Royals in 2013, the 6-foot-5, 250-pound Manaea has evolved into a physical powerhouse. His career includes stints with the Oakland Athletics, San Diego Padres, and San Francisco Giants, amassing 1,184⅓ innings pitched, a 4.00 ERA, 1,109 strikeouts, and 158 home runs allowed.
Future Prospects for the Mets
Beyond Manaea’s signing, the Mets are exploring additional moves to strengthen their roster. Re-signing first baseman Pete Alonso or acquiring third baseman Alex Bregman are potential options. These moves, combined with the addition of Soto, indicate the Mets’ determination to dominate in the coming season.
Sean Manaea’s renewed contract with the Mets reflects not only his exceptional performance but also the team’s aggressive approach to building a championship-caliber squad. As Manaea enters his 10th MLB season, he remains a cornerstone of the Mets’ ambitious plans to achieve postseason glory.
