In a whirlwind of offseason moves, the New York Mets have added another talented pitcher to their revamped rotation. Sean Manaea, a left-hander with eight seasons of major league experience, has agreed to a lucrative $28 million, two-year contract with the Mets. The deal, subject to a successful physical, will see Manaea earn $14.5 million this year and $13.5 million in 2025. Excitingly, he also holds the option to opt out after the 2025 season.
Manaea, who became a free agent after opting out of his previous contract with the San Francisco Giants, brings versatility to the table. In his only season with the Giants, the 31-year-old recorded a 7-6 record with a 4.44 ERA. After a slow start, he was briefly removed from the rotation but made a strong return later in the season, making four starts. Manaea showcased his reliance on the fastball, using it for 57% of his pitches, while also incorporating changeups, sliders, and sweepers into his repertoire.
With Manaea's addition, the Mets' rotation starts to take shape. Alongside holdovers Kodai Senga and José Quintana, as well as offseason acquisition Adrian Houser, the Mets have assembled an intriguing mix of seasoned veterans and promising talents. Notably, the Mets recently signed right-hander Luis Severino to a one-year deal, bolstering their pitching staff with his experience and skill.
The Mets had their share of pitching losses in the previous season, including trades involving Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer, and the departure of Carlos Carrasco in free agency. Furthermore, David Peterson is expected to miss a significant portion of the upcoming season due to hip surgery. Buoyed by their recent additions, the Mets are looking to overcome these setbacks and build a formidable rotation that can compete in a tough division.
Sean Manaea's journey, however, extends beyond the baseball diamond. The Padres' left-hander has openly shared his struggles with mental health during his time in San Diego. Battling self-doubt and a lack of confidence, Manaea's resilience and determination to overcome his challenges make him an inspiring addition to the Mets. His openness about his mental health journey serves as a reminder that professional athletes face adversities beyond their physical performance.
As the Mets continue their busy offseason, they have also made moves to strengthen their outfield and infield. Center fielder Harrison Bader and infielder Joey Wendle have both signed one-year contracts with the team, injecting depth and skill into their lineup. Additionally, the Mets acquired outfielder Tyrone Taylor in a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers, bringing in a player well-known to their new president of baseball operations, David Stearns.
The Mets' retooled roster is poised to make an impact in the upcoming season. With a versatile and experienced pitcher like Sean Manaea joining the fold, the team adds yet another valuable piece to their puzzle. As fans eagerly await the start of the season, there's an air of anticipation in New York. The Mets' creative and strategic approach to building their team bodes well for an exciting and competitive year ahead.
