The New York Mets have pulled off one of the offseason’s savviest moves, officially signing left-hander Sean Manaea to a three-year, $63 million deal. Dubbed the “steal of free agency,” Manaea’s return to Queens ensures the Mets maintain a strong rotation heading into 2025 and beyond.
Manaea, 32, opted out of his previous two-year, $28 million deal with the Mets after an outstanding 2024 season. In his first year in New York, he posted a stellar 12-6 record with a 3.47 ERA, a 1.08 WHIP, and 184 strikeouts over 181 2/3 innings. His consistency and ability to eat innings made him a cornerstone of the Mets’ pitching staff and a top target to re-sign.
“Sean proved his value to this team last year, both on and off the field,” said Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns. “Locking him up for the next three years solidifies our rotation and demonstrates our commitment to contending in 2025.”
Manaea’s deal is widely regarded as a bargain, particularly given the skyrocketing prices for elite starting pitchers this offseason. While top arms like Corbin Burnes and Blake Snell are seeking contracts north of $150 million, Manaea’s affordability and performance make him a cost-effective alternative with tremendous upside.
ESPN’s Dave Schoenfield praised the signing, calling Manaea a player with “elite upside at half the cost of the top-tier pitchers.” The deal reflects the Mets’ strategy under Stearns of building a competitive rotation with smart, short-to-mid-term commitments.
With Manaea in place, the Mets’ rotation will likely include key contributors such as Kodai Senga, José Quintana, and rising stars like Tylor Megill. The move also keeps the Mets in contention in a highly competitive NL East while maintaining financial flexibility for future acquisitions.
Manaea expressed his excitement about staying in New York, stating, “I’m grateful for the opportunity to build on what we started here. The energy in this city and the direction this team is headed makes it the perfect place to call home.”
This signing marks another step forward for the Mets as they aim to return to postseason glory.
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