The Mets predicted to lock up the fan-favorite star pitcher with a $75 million contract

A fascinating situation is developing with the New York Mets’ starting rotation.

New York’s rotation was built on short-term deals in 2024, and as successful as it was, it will now have a completely different look. The top three playoff starters all became free agents, with Luis Severino already signed elsewhere and the Mets bringing in Clay Holmes, Frankie Montas and Griffin Canning as rotation options.

The best of the Mets’ free agents in terms of performance in 2024 was clearly Sean Manaea. He had the best ERA (3.47) of any New York starter in the regular season, then shined in the playoffs with stellar outings against the Milwaukee Brewers, Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers.

Will Manaea be back in Queens soon? A baseball writer thinks so.

On Friday, Zachary D. Rymer predicted that The Mets would lock up Manaea with a three-year, $75 million contract that would stretch through the lefty’s age-35 season.

“(Manaea) represents a solid effort to age well because of how he can beat hitters through sheer variety,” Rymer said. “He has six pitches and his new delivery makes it that much harder for batsmen to track the ball.”

“If Yusei Kikuchi can get three years, $63 million in this market, Manaea should be at least that much… Forecast: Re-signs with New York Mets for 3 years, $75 million.”

Changing his arm slot to mimic Chris Sale had a huge impact on Manaea’s ability to swing and miss, which should help him continue to produce in 2025. If he can do that, he’ll be worth the money.

Such a deal would not be without risk, however, as Manaea had two rough seasons in the National League West before signing a cushion contract with the Mets. Here’s to hoping the changes he made were permanent enough to sustain the length of his next deal.

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