In a significant offseason move, the New York Mets have parted ways with veteran pitcher Sean Manaea. After a brief stint with the team, the Mets opted to move in a different direction as they continue to reshape their roster for the 2025 season. Manaea, who joined the Mets as part of a midseason trade in 2024, now finds himself on the free-agent market, adding intrigue to his next career step.
Manaea’s time with the Mets, while not long, was marked by both flashes of brilliance and struggles that ultimately led to his departure. The left-hander posted a 4.45 ERA in 12 starts with New York, demonstrating a mix of solid outings and inconsistency. His high strikeout rate, which stood at an impressive 9.8 K/9, showed he could still command his pitches effectively. However, frequent control issues and home runs allowed (1.3 HR/9) prevented Manaea from fully regaining the form that once made him one of the most dependable arms in Major League Baseball.
When the Mets acquired Manaea in 2024, they were looking to bolster their rotation, especially after a series of injuries plagued their pitching staff. The team had hoped that the veteran southpaw could bring stability and depth as they fought to stay competitive in the National League East. While Manaea showed glimpses of his previous dominance, inconsistency and a couple of key losses in critical games ultimately soured his Mets tenure.
As Manaea departs New York, it’s worth reflecting on his career trajectory. The 32-year-old left-hander has enjoyed a solid, if uneven, career in MLB. His best years came during his time with the Oakland Athletics, where he emerged as a reliable starter, even throwing a no-hitter in 2018. In 2021, Manaea posted career-best numbers, with a 3.91 ERA, 194 strikeouts, and a league-leading two shutouts, which solidified his reputation as a workhorse pitcher.
However, injuries and inconsistent performances have clouded the latter part of Manaea’s career. After leaving Oakland, he had stints with the San Diego Padres and the San Francisco Giants before arriving in New York. Each stop showcased his talent but was marked by ups and downs, with occasional periods of brilliance marred by injury setbacks or poor outings.
For the Mets, the decision to let Manaea go is part of a broader strategy to rebuild their pitching staff for the future. With the team coming off a disappointing 2024 campaign, the front office is focused on finding pitchers who can consistently perform at a high level. The Mets’ rotation already boasts stars like Kodai Senga and José Quintana, but the loss of arms due to injury, combined with Manaea’s departure, means the club will be actively seeking reinforcements this offseason.
Manaea, now a free agent, becomes an intriguing option for teams looking to add a veteran left-hander to their rotation. Despite his recent struggles, his track record of success and ability to miss bats could make him a valuable addition for a club in need of pitching depth. His experience and leadership qualities also make him an attractive candidate for teams with younger rotations who could benefit from his guidance.
As the market heats up, Manaea will likely draw interest from multiple teams. Clubs like the Los Angeles Angels, who have been seeking left-handed pitching to complement their rotation, or the St. Louis Cardinals, who are looking to rebound from a rough 2024 season, could be potential landing spots. Manaea’s next move will be closely watched, as he has the potential to be a low-risk, high-reward signing for teams looking to shore up their pitching staff without breaking the bank.
For the Mets, the decision to part ways with Manaea signals a new era of pitching in New York. With owner Steve Cohen’s commitment to building a winning team, the Mets are expected to pursue some of the biggest names in the free-agent market this offseason. Their ability to create payroll flexibility by moving on from players like Manaea could help them in their quest to land an elite arm or two to pair with their existing rotation.
In the end, Sean Manaea’s time with the New York Mets may have been short, but his departure marks a significant moment for both the player and the organization. As Manaea enters the free-agent market, he will be looking for a fresh start with a new team, while the Mets turn their attention to building a roster capable of contending for a championship in the years to come.
Where Manaea will land next remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the veteran pitcher still has more to offer, and teams in need of pitching depth will be eager to see if they can unlock his full potential. As for the Mets, the door closes on the Manaea experiment as they set their sights on what promises to be an aggressive and transformative offseason.