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 reliable sources within Major League Baseball. The contract includes an opt-out clause for Manaea after the upcoming season. Initial reports by the New York Post indicate that the deal is valued at $28 million.
The addition of Manaea to the Mets roster is seen as a move to bring stability and durability to their starting rotation. Alongside pitchers such as Kodai Senga, José Quintana, Luis Severino, and Adrian Houser, Manaea will provide valuable depth to the team. Tylor Megill, Joey Lucchesi, and other pitchers will also contribute to the strength of the rotation, although David Peterson will be sidelined for a couple of months due to a hip injury. Manaea is expected to solidify the middle of this group of pitchers.
Sources familiar with the Mets’ plans suggest that the team is unlikely to pursue further starting pitchers this offseason. However, they may consider adding depth through minor-league signings or similar moves. The Mets were not in contention for top-tier starting pitchers like Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Instead, they aimed to enhance their rotation with a short-term deal that offers a reliable innings-eater, a role that Manaea fulfills.
Manaea, who will turn 32 in February, has a reputation for consistently taking the mound for every turn of the season. Nevertheless, concerns about his consistency have arisen throughout his career. In his eight seasons in the major leagues, he has maintained a 4.10 ERA and 4.05 FIP with a league-average 100 ERA+. Last season, while playing for the San Francisco Giants, Manaea posted a 4.44 ERA and 3.90 FIP over 37 games, including 10 starts.
The Mets intend to utilize Manaea solely as a starting pitcher. His pitch repertoire expanded last season with the addition of a sweeper, which led to improved performance. From the moment he introduced this pitch on May 30, Manaea exhibited a 3.60 ERA and 3.19 FIP in 85 innings until the end of the season. Some believe that his pitching style, which tends towards higher fly-ball rates, could be well-suited for Citi Field.
Last winter, the Mets considered signing Manaea but ultimately pursued other options, including José Quintana and Justin Verlander. However, this offseason, they were able to secure a similar deal with Manaea that aligns with their current payroll strategy. Under the ownership of Steve Cohen, the Mets continue to have one of the highest payrolls in the league. Yet, they maintain cost-consciousness and are focused on flexible contracts that can contribute to their competitiveness in 2024.
To summarize, the New York Mets have agreed to a two-year contract with Sean Manaea that includes an opt-out clause after the 2022 season. The deal is worth $28 million in total. Manaea’s addition enhances the Mets’ starting rotation alongside other talented pitchers. Although concerns about consistency remain, his performances have shown promise. The Mets have strategically pursued short-term deals to bolster their roster while considering future financial flexibility. As the offseason progresses, the team is not expected to seek additional starting pitchers.