Introduction

In a stunning turn of events, Sean Manaea has seen his career take a significant upswing over the past year, culminating in a three-year, $75 million contract with the New York Mets, according to sources confirming to The Athletic. This news comes after the deal was initially reported by ESPN and the New York Post and remains subject to a physical examination.

Contract Details

What makes this contract particularly intriguing is the inclusion of deferrals, with $23.25 million spread out over ten years, commencing in 2035 and concluding in 2044. This financial structure allows the Mets to free up some immediate salary cap space while still investing in a high-quality pitcher.

Manaea's Career Progression

Turning 33 in February, Manaea enters free agency this offseason armed with significantly improved stock compared to previous winters when he signed two-year contracts that included opt-outs. Now, considered a potential No. 2 starter, he ranked as the No. 12 player on The Athletic’s Free Agent Big Board and had been projected to receive an even more lucrative four-year deal.

Mets' Strategic Hiring

The Mets, adhering to a strategy raised by analysts, matched the contract term to a player they coveted, opting for the three-year setup rather than the more extended options presented in a competitive market. Amid other pursuits, the Mets are optimistic about their rotation, which is set to feature Manaea alongside Kodai Senga and David Peterson, along with new additions Clay Holmes and Frankie Montas. The team plans to implement a six-man rotation for the upcoming season, accommodating their diverse talent pool that includes recently signed Griffin Canning and other capable pitchers.

Manaea's Recent Performance

Manaea's remarkable transformation last season played a pivotal role in his resurgence. He not only improved his velocity and repertoire but also modified his arm angle mid-season. The breakthrough began with his development of a sweeper and sinker, and it was further cemented after he studied Chris Sale's pitching mechanics around the All-Star break. Following this change, Manaea led the MLB in innings pitched, maintaining a commendable ERA just above 3.00 with one of the top strikeout rates among starting pitchers.

Season Highlights with the Mets

During the recent season with the Mets, Manaea stepped up as the team's ace, showcasing durability and efficiency with 32 starts across 181.2 innings, a 3.47 ERA, and a WHIP of just 1.08. His previous contract guaranteed him $13.5 million for 2025, making his decision to opt out of that agreement easy. He also turned down a qualifying offer of $21.05 million from the Mets, showcasing confidence in his own value.

Future Outlook

While there may be concerns about Manaea's age, his statistical measures indicate that his success is sustainable. As an astute and adaptable pitcher, there’s a good chance he will continue to build on his recent achievements.

Conclusion

This acquisition not only strengthens the Mets' starting rotation but also signals their serious intentions as they gear up for a competitive 2024 season. With Manaea leading the charge, fans can expect a thrilling season ahead!