Veteran left-hander Sean Manaea has solidified his future in Queens, re-signing with the New York Mets on a three-year, $75 million contract. The deal, confirmed on December 27, 2024, came after Manaea briefly tested the free-agent market by opting out of his previous two-year contract following a stellar 2024 campaign.
The substantial commitment from the Mets was largely driven by Manaea’s exceptional performance in 2024. The 33-year-old pitcher posted a 12-6 record with a career-best 3.47 ERA over a career-high 181.2 innings pitched. According to MLB.com, he was one of only eight pitchers in the majors to make 32 or more starts with an ERA below 3.50. His 184 strikeouts were the second-most of his career, and he proved particularly dominant against right-handed batters, holding them to a meager .190 batting average. Manaea also demonstrated his value in high-pressure situations, securing crucial wins in the 2024 NLDS against the Philadelphia Phillies and the NLCS against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
However, the start to his 2025 season was delayed by a significant setback. As reported by multiple outlets, the Mets announced on February 24, 2025, that Manaea had suffered a right oblique strain during spring training. The injury ultimately landed him on the 60-day injured list, and he did not make his season debut until July 13. Since his return, Manaea has been working to regain his ace form. Through his most recent start on August 15 against the Seattle Mariners, he holds a 1-1 record with a 4.78 ERA and 37 strikeouts across 32 innings of work in seven appearances (six starts).
His return is vital for a Mets team that has faced its own struggles, reportedly losing 13 of 15 games leading into the mid-August series against the Mariners, as they fight to remain in the competitive National League Wild Card race. The series will conclude with the Mets participating in their second MLB Little League Classic in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, on August 17.
Manaea’s journey to becoming a key piece of the Mets’ rotation has been eventful. A native of Valparaiso, Indiana, he was a standout at Indiana State University before being drafted 34th overall by the Kansas City Royals in 2013. He was traded to the Oakland Athletics in 2015, where he established himself as a reliable major league starter. His tenure in Oakland was highlighted by a memorable no-hitter against the Boston Red Sox on April 21, 2018. After leaving the A’s, he had one-year stints with the San Diego Padres in 2022 and the San Francisco Giants in 2023 before finding a home in New York.
Known as ‘The Throwin’ Samoan’ in a nod to his father’s American Samoan heritage, Manaea has also been recognized for his character off the field, including a nine-day expedition to Antarctica with a former teammate to raise money for the Challenged Athletes Foundation. With his long-term future secured, both Manaea and the Mets are focused on navigating the remainder of the 2025 season. As he continues to build up strength, his performance on the mound will be pivotal in the team’s push for a postseason berth.
