New York, NY – The New York Mets have reached an agreement with left-handed starting pitcher Sean Manaea on a two-year deal, according to sources familiar with the matter. The contract includes an opt-out clause for Manaea after the upcoming season. The deal, reported first by The New York Post, is said to be valued at $28 million.
The Mets view Manaea as a stabilizing force who can provide quality innings. He will join a rotation that already features Kodai Senga, José Quintana, Luis Severino, Adrian Houser, Tylor Megill, Joey Lucchesi, and others (David Peterson is expected to miss the early part of the season due to injury). Manaea is expected to occupy a spot in the middle of this group.
Sources indicate that the Mets are unlikely to pursue any further starting pitchers during this offseason. They might, however, consider adding depth through minor-league signings. After missing out on Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the team was not expected to pursue other top starting pitchers. Instead, they aimed to bolster the rotation with a pitcher who could deliver solid performances on a short-term deal, much like Manaea.
Manaea, who will turn 32 in February, is known for his ability to start games consistently. However, he has struggled with consistency throughout his career. His statistics over eight seasons in the majors include a 4.10 ERA and 4.05 FIP, with an average 100 ERA+. Last season, while playing for the San Francisco Giants, Manaea had a 4.44 ERA and 3.90 FIP in 37 games, including 10 starts.
With the Mets, Manaea is expected to serve exclusively as a starting pitcher. He introduced a new pitch last season, which improved his performance significantly. From the end of May until the end of the season, he recorded a 3.60 ERA and 3.19 FIP in 85 innings. Some believe that Manaea’s style of play may be well-suited for Citi Field, where he could benefit from a higher fly-ball rate.
Although Manaea’s fastball velocity reached a career-high 93.6 mph last season, some speculate that this might be attributed to his shorter outings. His walk rate also increased to a career-worst 8.7 percent.
Interestingly, the Mets considered signing Manaea last winter but instead acquired José Quintana. The Giants signed Manaea to a two-year contract worth $25 million, which included an opt-out clause at the end of 2023. This time around, the Mets struck a similar deal with him, aiming to secure his services at a comparable price point.
For the Mets, signing Manaea at a similar price to last year is significant. The team has been cautious with its spending this offseason, especially after already signing Yamamoto. Despite their high payroll and commitment to remaining competitive under owner Steve Cohen’s leadership, the Mets are mindful of their financial situation, particularly the large amount of money that will come off their books after the 2024 season.
In summary, the New York Mets have agreed to a two-year deal with Sean Manaea, giving him the option to opt out after the upcoming season. The $28 million contract solidifies their starting rotation, with Manaea expected to contribute consistently. While Manaea’s performance has been inconsistent in the past, his recent improvements and his fit with Citi Field make him a valuable addition to the team. The Mets’ cautious approach to spending this offseason aligns with their long-term financial plans.