The New York Mets likely wouldn’t have reached the NLCS without the remarkable season that pitcher Sean Manaea delivered.
After signing a two-year, $28 million contract with a player option for 2025, Manaea posted a 12-6 record and a 3.47 ERA over 181.2 innings in the regular season. The 32-year-old continued to perform in the postseason, going 2-1 with a 4.74 ERA in four starts, highlighted by a stellar outing against the Philadelphia Phillies in the NLDS.
Though Manaea seemed to lose steam in the NLCS against the Los Angeles Dodgers, it doesn’t diminish the outstanding year he had with the New York Mets.
One drawback for New York now that Manaea’s standout season is over is that he’s likely to opt out of his player option, explore free agency, and leverage his impressive 2024 season to secure a deal worth more than the $13.5 million he’d receive by staying with the Mets.
In a November 1 article, The Athletic’s MLB insider Jim Bowden projected that Manaea would sign with another team this offseason.
“The Royals sign lefty Sean Manaea to a three-year, $68 million deal to replace the departed Wacha,” Bowden wrote.
Manaea would be a strong addition for the Kansas City Royals, who unexpectedly reached the ALDS this season—particularly if their ace, Michael Wacha, leaves in free agency, as Bowden also predicted.
Still, it’s likely the Mets will make their own offer in an attempt to keep Manaea in Queens.
