Left-handed pitcher Sean Manaea and the New York Mets have reached an agreement on a three-year, $75 million deal, sources informed ESPN, ensuring the veteran stays with the team he helped lead to a surprising National League Championship Series appearance.
Manaea, 32, emerged as a key part of the Mets’ rotation this season, posting a 12-6 record with a 3.47 ERA and 184 strikeouts in 181⅔ innings. The contract, which is subject to a physical, more than doubles Manaea’s career earnings and adds to the Mets’ already massive spending spree this offseason.
Last year, Manaea signed a two-year, $28 million deal with the Mets that included an opt-out clause, which he exercised. After turning down New York’s $21.05 million qualifying offer, Manaea entered free agency and attracted interest from several teams.
The market for starting pitchers has been particularly lucrative, with Manaea becoming the sixth pitcher to land a deal worth more than $21 million annually and the 12th to secure an average annual value exceeding $13 million. Manaea’s strong showing on the field, including a rejuvenated arm slot that contributed to a standout season, along with his leadership in the clubhouse, made him an enticing addition for the Mets.
In addition to Manaea, the Mets had already made headlines by signing outfielder Juan Soto to a record 15-year, $765 million contract. With free agents Luis Severino and José Quintana departing, the Mets bolstered their rotation by adding right-handers Frankie Montas and Clay Holmes, the latter of whom will transition from a relief role to a starting position. They also signed right-handed starter Griffin Canning, bringing their total free-agent spending to a staggering $916.25 million this winter.
Manaea’s return to the Mets is part of a select group of pitchers earning $25 million per year, alongside Blake Snell, Max Fried, and Nathan Eovaldi. Since being drafted by the Kansas City Royals in 2013, the 6-foot-5, 250-pound Manaea has been a physical presence on the mound, using his size and deception to enhance his low-90s fastball.
This season, Manaea returned to a sinker-heavy pitching approach after two years of primarily using four-seam fastballs. His adjusted arm slot, inspired by NL Cy Young Award winner Chris Sale, played a significant role in his resurgence, making him resemble his dominant 2021 form.
Manaea also excelled in the postseason, allowing just two runs in five innings during a wild-card game, followed by a seven-inning, one-run performance in a division series win against the Philadelphia Phillies. He gave up two earned runs in a Game 2 NLCS victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers, but was pulled in the third inning of a potential farewell start in Game 6.
Now, Manaea will return for his 10th MLB season in Queens, with a career spanning 1,184⅓ innings, a 4.00 ERA, 1,109 strikeouts, 335 walks, and 158 home runs allowed. His previous stops include stints with the Oakland Athletics (2016–2021), San Diego Padres (2022), and San Francisco Giants (2023).
As for the Mets, their attention may now shift to complementing their lineup after adding Soto. With free agents Pete Alonso and Alex Bregman remaining on the market, the Mets could either re-sign Alonso or sign Bregman and shift Mark Vientos from first base to third. The Mets are also exploring options in the outfield and remain active in trade discussions.
