When the Mets signed Sean Manaea in January, expectations were unclear. The southpaw only made 10 starts with the Giants in 2023, spending much of the year in the bullpen before rejoining the rotation late in the year. The early returns from the lefty were inconsistent. After getting tagged for six earned runs in 3 2/3 innings against the Phillies in London, Manaea’s ERA rose to a season-worst 4.30.

From that point forward, however, Manaea was the team’s most dependable starting pitcher. He logged a 3.05 ERA with 128 strikeouts against just 38 walks in 121 innings, and the team won 16 of his 20 starts. Manaea pitched into the seventh inning or later in 12 of those outings, including eight starts in a row from July 30-September 21. Manaea bounced back from a rough final outing of the regular season by allowing two runs over five innings against the Brewers in Game 2 of the Wild Card Series, then held the Phillies to just one run and three hits over seven-plus innings in Game 3 of the NLDS.

“That was one of the coolest, most magical runs I’ve ever been a part of,” Manaea said after the team’s season-ending loss in the NLCS. “Happy to be just a little part of this team.”

Following a career year on the mound, Manaea is almost certain to decline his $13.5 million player option for the 2025 season and test free agency. David Stearns said in his end-of-season press conference that he would like to keep Manaea on the team going forward.

“Sean’s been great here, not only on the field but off the field as well,” Stearns said. “Another player that would be great to have back.”

Manaea has also expressed interest in returning to the club, saying that he’s loved his time in New York.

“I’m not really thinking about it (free agency), I loved my time here, I love New York, I love all the people there,” Manaea said. “I would definitely love to be back.”

Once his decision is official, Manaea will be one of three starting pitchers from the Mets on the free-agent market. The only remaining members from this year’s starting staff include Kodai Senga and David Peterson – both of whom missed significant time with injuries – and Tylor Megill, who spent much of the year in the minors in addition to a stint on the injured list. Manaea’s next contract will likely exceed this year’s qualifying offer, which is set at $21.05 million. With the amount of uncertainty surrounding the starting rotation, it’s of utmost importance that the Mets try to retain Manaea for 2025 and beyond.