Sean Manaea and the New York Mets finalized a three-year, $75 million contract on Friday night, solidifying his place as a key figure in the team’s revamped rotation. The agreement, reached earlier in the week pending a physical, ensures the return of one of the Mets’ standout performers from last season.
In 2024, Manaea excelled as New York’s top starter, posting a 12-6 record with a 3.47 ERA over 32 starts. The 32-year-old left-hander opted out of his previous deal, forgoing a $13.5 million player option for 2025, and turned down a $21.05 million qualifying offer to test free agency again.
“Sean played a pivotal role in our success last season,” Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns said. “He led our rotation with excellence on the field and set a standard in the clubhouse with his character and composure. We’re thrilled to have him back.”
Manaea’s return strengthens a Mets rotation that underwent significant changes this offseason. Owner Steve Cohen has invested $916.25 million across five free agents, including a record $765 million, 15-year deal for slugger Juan Soto. Joining Manaea are newcomers Frankie Montas (two years, $34 million), Clay Holmes (three years, $38 million), and Griffin Canning (one year, $4.25 million). Holmes, a former Yankees closer and two-time All-Star, will transition to a starting role.
In 2024, Manaea struck out 184 batters and walked 63 over a career-high 181 2/3 innings, refining his mechanics midseason by lowering his arm slot, inspired by Braves ace Chris Sale. This adjustment helped him go 6-2 with a 3.09 ERA in his final 12 regular-season starts. In the playoffs, he contributed to the Mets’ unexpected run to the NLCS, going 2-1 with a 4.74 ERA across four starts.
The new contract includes deferred payments totaling $23 million and performance incentives, such as $50,000 for an All-Star appearance, $100,000 for World Series MVP, and $50,000 for League Championship Series MVP. Manaea will also receive a hotel suite for road trips. His deferred payments will be spread across 2035-2044.
Manaea, who turns 33 on February 1, brings a wealth of experience to the Mets with a career record of 77-62 and a 4.00 ERA across nine seasons with Oakland, San Diego, San Francisco, and New York. He pitched a no-hitter in 2018 with the A’s and was recognized last month with the Ben Epstein/Dan Castellano Good Guy Award for his professionalism with the media.
With Manaea, Montas, and Holmes likely anchoring the 2025 rotation alongside Kodai Senga and David Peterson, the Mets aim to remain competitive in the National League.
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