Starting pitcher Sean Manaea is set to return for a second season with the New York Mets after agreeing to a three-year, $75 million contract. This decision was reported by Jeff Passan of ESPN and marks a significant commitment from the Mets, who initially signed Manaea to a two-year, $28 million deal that included an option for 2025.

After opting out of the previous contract, Manaea had declined a qualifying offer worth $21.05 million, choosing instead to explore free agency. During his tenure with the Mets, he recorded a commendable 3.47 ERA across 32 starts. A notable improvement in his performance came in late July when he adjusted his arm slot to mimic the delivery style of esteemed Atlanta Braves pitcher Chris Sale, as noted by Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. Over the last 12 starts of the season following this adjustment, Manaea achieved a 3.09 ERA with 83 strikeouts compared to 18 walks, ultimately earning four postseason starts, including a win in Game 3 of the NLDS against the Philadelphia Phillies and a victory in Game 2 of the NLCS against the Los Angeles Dodgers. He was also the pitcher of record during the Mets' Game 6 elimination by the Dodgers, who went on to claim the World Series title.

Manaea's new contract with the Mets signifies the third franchise he has aligned with in as many seasons since being traded from the Oakland Athletics to the San Diego Padres in 2022. He initially signed with the San Francisco Giants ahead of the 2023 season but chose to opt-out of his second contract year in favor of joining the Mets for the 2024 season. This addition to the Mets' rotation follows the departure of Luis Severino, who signed with the Athletics, providing New York with some stability in their pitching lineup. Manaea will join the Mets’ rotation alongside Kodai Senga. Furthermore, this signing prevents Manaea from joining city rivals, the New York Yankees, who have reportedly shown interest in the left-handed pitcher, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. With this re-signing and the acquisition of Juan Soto, the Mets appear to be making significant moves designed to strengthen their roster and gain an upper hand over their rivals in the Bronx.