REPORT: Mets confirms Three-Year Deal to strengthen Outfield Defense and Offense
Left-hander and the New York Mets have agreed to a three-year, $75 million deal, sources report, ensuring the veteran pitcher remains with the team he helped lead to an unexpected appearance in the National League Championship Series.
Manaea, 32, was a vital part of the Mets’ rotation this season, posting a 12-6 record with a 3.47 ERA and 184 strikeouts over 181⅔ innings. Pending a physical, this contract will significantly boost Manaea’s career earnings and reflects the Mets’ aggressive approach to free agency this offseason.
Last winter, Manaea signed a two-year, $28 million contract with the Mets, which included an opt-out clause he exercised. After rejecting the team’s one-year, $21.05 million qualifying offer, Manaea entered free agency, drawing interest from several teams.
This offseason has been highly lucrative for starting pitchers, with Manaea becoming the sixth pitcher to secure a contract exceeding $21 million annually and the 12th with an average annual value above $13 million.
Manaea impressed the Mets not only with his on-field performance—where adjustments to his arm slot contributed to a breakout year—but also as a clubhouse leader. Re-signing him aligns with the Mets’ strategy of bolstering their roster with elite talent.
Earlier in the offseason, the Mets made waves by signing outfielder Juan Soto to a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million contract. Additionally, with the departures of Luis Severino and José Quintana from the rotation, the team has reinforced its pitching staff by adding right-handers Frankie Montas and Clay Holmes, the latter transitioning to a starting role, as well as right-handed starter Griffin Canning. These moves bring the Mets’ total offseason spending to $916.25 million.
Manaea’s return bolsters a rotation featuring other top-tier starters such as Blake Snell, Max Fried, and Nathan Eovaldi, all earning $25 million annually. Drafted by the Kansas City Royals in 2013, Manaea’s 6-foot-5, 250-pound frame and deceptive pitching style have made his low-90s sinker particularly effective. This season, he returned to a sinker-heavy approach, moving away from his previous reliance on a four-seam fastball. Inspired by NL Cy Young winner Chris Sale, Manaea also adjusted his arm slot, revitalizing his performance and echoing his successful 2021 season.
Manaea played a crucial role in the Mets’ postseason success, delivering strong starts in the Wild Card and Division Series before encountering challenges in the NLCS against the Dodgers. His re-signing ensures he will continue his MLB journey in Queens, entering his 10th season with career totals of 1,184⅓ innings, a 4.00 ERA, 1,109 strikeouts, 335 walks, and 158 home runs allowed. Manaea previously played for the Oakland Athletics (2016–2021), San Diego Padres (2022), and San Francisco Giants (2023).
The Mets are also exploring options to complement Soto in their lineup, including re-signing first baseman Pete Alonso or pursuing third baseman Alex Bregman, which could shift Mark Vientos to third base. The team remains active in the free agent and trade markets, aiming to solidify their roster for a championship push.