Sean Manaea and the New York Mets have officially reached a multi-million dollar agreement, securing a massive $75 million contract that spans three years. This deal, finalized on Friday night, ensures that the left-handed pitcher remains a key asset in a revamped pitching rotation.
Earlier this week, the two parties came to a mutual agreement, which was pending a successful physical examination. During his inaugural season in New York, Manaea established himself as the team’s leading starter, boasting an impressive 12-6 record alongside a 3.47 ERA across 32 games.
Manaea opted against exercising a player option for the 2025 season, foregoing the final $13.5 million of his earlier two-year, $28 million contract, to enter free agency for the third consecutive offseason. Moreover, he previously rejected a $21.05 million qualifying offer from the Mets, further affirming his intention to explore the open market.
Mets president of baseball operations, David Stearns, praised Manaea’s contributions, stating, “Sean was an integral part of what the team accomplished last season. He impressed on the field leading the rotation and in the clubhouse with his character, attitude, and composure. I am excited to watch him continue to flourish over the next few years.”
At 33 years old, Manaea’s re-signing gives the Mets a vital frontline starting pitcher necessary to complete their restructured rotation. After securing superstar Juan Soto with an unprecedented 15-year contract worth $765 million, Mets owner Steve Cohen has committed a staggering $916.25 million to five free-agent signings this offseason, focusing heavily on enhancing their pitching staff.
In addition to Manaea, the organization welcomed right-handed pitchers Frankie Montas ($34 million over two years), Clay Holmes ($38 million for three years), and Griffin Canning ($4.25 million for one year). Notably, Holmes, previously a closer for the Yankees, is set to transition into a starting role.
In the current year, Manaea struck out 184 batters while walking 63 over a personal best of 181.2 innings. He notably adjusted his arm slot midseason to mimic the style of Atlanta Braves’ ace Chris Sale, leading to a successful second half. He concluded the regular season on a high note, achieving a 6-2 record and a 3.09 ERA over his final 12 starts.
During the playoffs, Manaea helped propel the Mets to the National League Championship Series with a 2-1 postseason record, compiling a 4.74 ERA and 19 strikeouts across four starts totaling 19 innings.
Following the conclusion of the season, several veteran pitchers, including Manaea, Luis Severino, and Jose Quintana, entered free agency. Severino has since signed a three-year, $67 million contract with the Athletics.
Manaea’s new contract mirrors the $75 million, three-year deal that right-handed pitcher Nathan Eovaldi secured to stay with the Texas Rangers, although $23 million of Manaea’s payment will be deferred.
Projected as a starter for the 2025 rotation alongside current members Kodai Senga and David Peterson, Manaea, Montas, and Holmes are expected to bolster the Mets’ pitching corps alongside potential contributors Tylor Megill, Paul Blackburn, and Jose Buttó.
A veteran of nine major league seasons, Manaea has a career record of 77-62, with a 4.00 ERA across 198 starts and 30 relief appearances, playing previously for the Oakland Athletics, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, and New York Mets. Notably, he threw a no-hitter against the Boston Red Sox in April 2018 while with the A’s.
Manaea was selected in the 2013 amateur draft by the Kansas City Royals, taken as the 34th overall pick from Indiana State University.
Recently, he received the Ben Epstein/Dan Castellano Good Guy Award through a vote from the New York chapter of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America, highlighting his exemplary relationship with the press.
As part of his deal, Manaea will receive an annual salary of $25 million, with $7.75 million of that amount being deferred without interest, distributed in $2,325,000 installments each July 1 from 2035 to 2044.
Incentives include $50,000 for making the All-Star Game contingent on his participation, $50,000 for winning the Cy Young Award, and various bonuses for World Series and League Championship Series MVPs as well as Gold Glove accolades. Additionally, he enjoys the perk of a hotel suite during travel.
The deferment schedule for Manaea’s contract extends into the late 2030s, ensuring a structured financial commitment from the Mets for years to come.
