The New York Mets had an impressive 2024 season, rebounding from an 0-5 start to reach the NLCS with a roster that was initially set up for a transitional year. Now, with a full offseason ahead and a substantial budget, David Stearns is poised to enhance the team and make them more competitive. Starting pitching is a priority, and reports indicate the Mets are interested in re-signing Sean Manaea and Luis Severino.
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post at the General Manager Meetings, the Mets are focused on retaining both Manaea and Severino, with talks already underway. Severino appears unlikely to accept a qualifying offer.
Heyman also reported that the Yankees have shown interest in Manaea after he declined the $21 million qualifying offer. Manaea, who had a career-best season with the Mets after time with the Padres and Giants, is expected to secure a substantial contract this offseason. His performance was instrumental in the Mets’ NLCS run, and they are keen on his return.
Severino, who spent his entire career with the Yankees until this year, had a solid 2024 with the Mets, overcoming previous playoff struggles and injury issues. Turning 31 by season’s start, he could serve as a key ace for a smaller market team or provide mid-rotation strength for the Mets as they aim for a World Series run.
Offseason plans for the Mets pitchers
The Mets consider Kodai Senga their ace, but he missed most of the season due to various injuries and returned with a few rough outings in the playoffs. The team now faces a choice: either continue relying on Senga as their top pitcher for 2025 or pursue a true star.
This offseason, Corbin Burnes, Max Fried, and Blake Snell are available as free agents, giving the Mets the option to sign a top-tier arm to lead their rotation above Senga. Although adding another star would crowd their pitching rotation, it could be key to challenging teams like the Dodgers in the National League.
However, re-signing Manaea and Severino would make adding another ace nearly impossible. With Senga, Severino, Manaea, David Peterson, and Paul Blackburn already under contract, they might not need another pitcher and could allocate funds to strengthen other areas. Juan Soto is a major target the Mets are reportedly eager to acquire.
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