The New York Mets have been busy this offseason. They started off by signing both Clay Holmes and Frankie Montas to bolster their starting rotation, then followed it up with the Juan Soto signing.
The Mets are likely not done as they try to build off of their success in 2024 and become a threat to win the World Series in 2025. They could use at least one more starter.
Sean Manaea had a breakout campaign with the Mets this year and even helped guide them to the National League Championship series. He is currently a free agent, but Matt Ehalt of the New York Post reports that he could still return to the Mets.
“The Montas and Holmes deals are worth roughly $30 million per year combined, compared to the $27.25 million the Yankees are investing yearly on average to add Fried,” Ehalt wrote.
“It’s possible the Mets could also reunite with Manaea, although he figures to command $20 million-plus per year thanks to his fantastic 2024 campaign.”
Manaea went 12-6 with a 3.47 ERA and 3.0 Wins Above Replacement in his 32 starts. He also pitched 181 2/3 innings, struck out 184 batters and posted a 1.08 WHIP.
He’ll be expensive, but given that the Mets were able to cough up $765 million for Soto, they should be able to afford to keep Manaea. He could easily slot in as New York’s No. 2 or No. 3 starter with staff ace Kodai Senga back and healthy in 2025.
The Mets have shown that they want to win in 2025 and beyond and they should still be in the mix for Manaea as the offseason progresses.
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