In a move that could significantly impact the New York Mets offseason plans, left-hander Sean Manaea is set to pursue the free agent market this winter. USA Today’s Bob Nightengale writes that Manaea is likely to exercise his opt-out clause, allowing him to test the free agent market. Manaea spoke to Nightengale about his recent pair of short-term deals. He mentioned that he would consider a longer-term contract, but unlike many other players, he doesn’t mind the short-term, opt-out path. This decision comes as no surprise, given the strong season he’s having and the potential for a lucrative long-term deal.
Sean Manaea Expected to Opt-Out of Deal with Mets
Manaea, who is 33 years old, has signed two-year deals with opt-out provisions in each of the past two offseasons. He is currently having one of the best seasons of his career. In 150 1/3 innings, he has a 3.35 ERA, a 25 percent strikeout rate, and an 8.8 percent walk rate. His last outing marked his ninth quality start since July 2, and it was his fifth start of at least seven innings over his past seven outings. Since July 2, Manaea has allowed 23 earned runs in 74 1/3 innings and has maintained a 2.78 ERA. During that span, he tied for first in quality starts, led in innings pitched, and tied for fifth in strikeouts with 78.
Manaea has reinvented himself for a second straight season. He fell out of the San Francisco Giants rotation but was a multi-inning reliever and bulk pitcher behind openers last season. Manaea will not be the only Mets pitcher who will be a free agent at season’s end. Right-hander Luis Severino will likely test the open market again. Severino, 30, was brought in from the New York Yankees after a dismal 2023 campaign. Both players have made strong cases for the Mets to pursue them once more over the winter. However, the Mets could see Manaea, Severino Pete Alonso, Jose Quintana and J.D. Martinez all hit free agency.
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