The Mets are expected to re-sign the breakout starting contract for $45 million

The New York Mets did not enter the 2024 Major League Baseball season with very high expectations.

New York spent last offseason signing veterans to cheap contracts in hopes that some would bounce back. It’s clear that everything the Mets front office is doing to evaluate players is working. New York obviously didn’t miss out on the rebound, and one of the biggest success stories was starting pitcher Sean Manaea.

He spent much of the 2023 season in the San Francisco Giants’ bullpen, but the Mets signed Manaea to bolster the starting rotation and he subsequently had the best season of his career.

Manaea made 32 regular-season starts and had a 3.47 ERA and a 184-to-63 strikeout-to-walk ratio in a career-high 181 2/3 innings.

He signed a two-year, $28 million contract but has a player option for the 2025 season. After a great campaign, it wouldn’t be shocking to see him opt out. Although that is the case, Manny Gómez of NJ.com predicted that he will end up re-signing with New York on a three-year, $45 million deal.

“After a disappointing performance in Game 6 of the (National League Championship Series), an emotional Manaea said he would like to be back with the Mets next season,” Gómez said. “His actions throughout the year, inside and outside the clubhouse, have shown that Queens is his preferred venue. As a starter, Manaea reinvented himself, adopting a more horizontal arm position thanks to Braves ace Chris Sale. During an 11-year stretch with his new look, the left-hander took his game to new levels in August and September, posting a 2.63 ERA with a 0.76 WHIP and 82 strikeouts during that period…

“This season, Manaea made 32 starts, setting a career high, posting a 3.47 ERA with 184 strikeouts in 181 2/3 innings. Prediction: Manaea signs a three-year deal worth $45 million to remain with the Mets. The contract could contain clauses that result in opt-outs and/or more money.”

This deal would be a steal for the Mets. They want to make managing their payroll easier and this is something they should consider.

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