The New York Mets rode the second-half performance of their starting rotation to the National League Championship Series. Three key contributors have reached free agency, including southpaw Sean Manaea. Could the Detroit Tigers sign him for their rotation?
Manaea was the only player president of baseball operations David Stearns signed to a multi-year deal last winter. It was a two-year, $28 million pact that also included a player option. After having a resurgent campaign in Queens thanks to a 12-6 record with a 3.47 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 184 strikeouts in 181 2/3 innings, he decided to re-test the open market.
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The Mets are interested in a reunion, but there will be plenty of interested teams pursuing the left-hander. The Athletic’s Andy McCullough is predicting the Tigers will convince the hurler to land in the Motor City.
“The club’s needs in the rotation are the most acute,” he wrote. “The team made it to the postseason last year utilizing Cy Young award winner Tarik Skubal and a boatload of bullpen games. Detroit could make a commitment to Manaea, who thrived after shifting his arm angle to mimic the other Cy Young award winner in 2024, Chris Sale.”
Manaea’s solid 2024 performance is one reason why he’ll be in high demand, but another is his affordable price tag. Tim Britton of The Athletic is projecting he’ll earn a four-year, $76 million guarantee. ESPN’s Dave Schoenfield also declared Manaea could be the “steal of free agency” based on all the variables regarding his situation.
The Mets are reportedly focused on top free-agent hurler Corbin Burnes, but Stearns will need to fill out his rotation with other less expensive arms. Manaea is a solid option – if he doesn’t head elsewhere first.
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