Photo credit: SNY
From a fan perspective, I was very excited when the Mets signed pitcher Sean Manaea in the offseason leading to the 2024 year. Out of the pitching candidates on the market that offseason, I was very high on Manaea. He certainly was one of those “low-risk/high-reward” types, and with his Pacific Islander roots and wild hair, he had a certain character “quirkiness” that would play out well in Queens.
Yes, I’m aware he would actually need to perform. And like Jacob deGrom after cutting his hair, Manaea seemed to gather extra strength by letting go of the energy in his long locks prior to the team’s magical 2024 season.
It was all good vibes, and Manaea rode that energy all during his first season, leading to declining his original player option, and re-signing with the Mets on a three year deal.
This Mets fan was very very happy about that development.
Except life happened. Manaea spent nearly half the 2025 season nursing an oblique and later an elbow injury. Upon his return, he got the loss in the last game before the 2025 All-Star Break, that was very much of the “hard-luck” variety: a stellar 3 1/3 inning outing with 7Ks, yet earned the loss by giving up a walk off RBI single.
Yet, the rest of the season didn’t bode well. Manaea seemed to not bounce back 100% from his injuries, and coming into the 2026 season, Manaea seemed to be a man without a role.
As such, he was being misused and miscast a a bullpen arm. Once he returned to the starting rotation, Manaea seems to have gotten his groove back. Prior to his start on Saturday, August 15th, Manaea has been going the distance. In 11 games started (GS), Manaea averaged 5.61 IP/GS, with a 3.50 ERA and 8.90 K/9. In his previous six starts (prior to Saturday), Manaea also boasted a 2.95 ERA, 9.33 K/9, and a 1.25 WHIP.
After one bad pitch with two men on against the Washington Nationals on Saturday, Manaea had yet another no-decision, but he still managed to keep his stats respectable for the season: 111 IP, 4.22 ERA, 113 K and 1.32 WHIP.
Don’t call it a “comeback.” Manaea’s current stats are right around his career averages: 4.09 ERA, 129 K and 1.211 WHIP. Manaea didn’t go anywhere. He just needed a defined role.
What’s more is that Manaea seems to be emerging as a leader on the pitching rotation whom the younger pitchers look up to. For example, in 2025, after a rough outing Manaea was credited with helping Jonah Tong in a bounce back game.
His experience and professionalism can also help mold the younger starters like Nolan McLean, Christian Scott and Zac Thornton into becoming solid rotation guys who can put the team in the best position to win.
With the “fire sale” at the trade deadline, it’s clear the New York Mets are looking towards 2027 and beyond. Kind of like Sean Anthony Manaea. Now that he’s got a firm role on the team, his “glow-up” should be complete to lead the staff in 2027 as a veteran presence who can give you lots of innings and solid starts.
Nice article Taryn. Manaea is throwing like we expected him to throw and he might just be the 4 or 5 in the rotation in 2027, his last year on the team. I love his ability to mentor the younger pitchers.
Consistency from your veterans is what makes a team successful. They calm the waters and make everyone calmer. Manaea has been able to successfully achieve that role. He was worked hard to get back to where he was two years ago and deserves credit for that.