Sean Manaea has reportedly decided to opt out of his $13.5 million player option with the New York Mets, as reported by MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo. After a successful 2024 season, the 32-year-old pitcher is seeking a multi-year contract, aiming to capitalize on his bounce-back performance and increased market value. Manaea’s impressive 3.47 ERA and 184 strikeouts over 181.2 innings across 32 starts have positioned him as a strong free agent candidate after helping the Mets in their National League Championship Series run.
The Mets, who have seen several pitching changes in recent years, including the departures of stars like Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer, relied heavily on Manaea’s contributions, especially amid injuries to ace Kodai Senga. The lefty’s resurgence came as a surprise after struggles with both the San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants in 2022 and 2023. His success with the Mets may lead them to consider re-signing him, but Manaea’s performance has attracted interest from other teams as well. As a veteran southpaw, he’s expected to receive strong offers from multiple clubs in free agency.
Manaea’s age and experience make a three- or four-year deal with options a likely prospect, though some teams could pursue a shorter, more lucrative two-year contract. The Mets will need to weigh the advantages of re-signing him against the potential high demand and cost in free agency.
Manaea’s next contract will reflect his strong showing in 2024, rewarding his hard work to rebound and positioning him as an asset for any team seeking to solidify its rotation with a reliable, experienced pitcher.
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