Sean Manaea recently started for the New York Mets after missing game action since March. His extended absence created the look of a team playing with one hand tied behind its back. His performance upon return fuels hope that the Mets have much more they can offer.

Low Cost Approach Works Wonders

General Manager David Stearns has been a big proponent of avoiding huge spending on starting pitching, especially arms 30 years and older. In 2024, he took flyers on inexpensive, potentially high-return options, Luis Severino and Manaea.

Stearns believes highly in the pitching lab New York established in 2023 and the work led by coach Jeremy Hefner. Stearns’ confidence made him bolder, as he took chances on arms like Severino and Manaea. They teamed with unsung Jose Quintana to give the Mets a surprisingly effective rotation.

Manaea adjusted his arm angle, lowering it, looking much like Chris Sale. His strikeouts jumped, and his performance got substantially better as the second half progressed. He compiled Major League Baseball’s most innings pitched and the second-most quality starts.

New York thought it didn’t have an ace upon season’s start, but Manaea became that during the stretch run. He went 5-2 during August and September, consistently going deep into games. His excellence continued into the playoffs, winning two starts before finally running out of gas in the National League Championship Series Game 6.

Manaea: Contract Then Injury

Manaea’s outstanding late-season run led to a lucrative deal with the Mets. He signed a three-year, $75 million contract with them, cementing him as the rotation’s leader. More time working in the pitching lab and with Hefner figured to help Manaea lock in his mechanical tweaks and reach the next level.

Unfortunately, Manaea suffered an oblique injury in Spring Training, which was projected to keep him out through late May. This stifled the offseason momentum and put New York’s rotation in flux.

Kodai Senga, Griffin Canning, David Peterson, and Clay Holmes exceeded expectations, all maintaining ERAs under 3.00 into June. This was the first time the Mets had four starters do so in forty years. Still, the starting core had the feel of being patched together with Scotch tape and bubble gum. When would the next shoe fall?

Mets Stumble

It came on June 13th as Senga strained his hamstring, knocking him out of action for over a month. Tylor Megill followed with a strained right elbow; he hasn’t returned since. The worst injury occurred when Canning tore his Achilles on a pitching follow-through.

The rotation’s ills were compounded by Holmes’s fatigue issues, adjusting from career bullpen work to starting. He exceeded his previous innings high by June, and his effectiveness dipped. He struggled to go past five innings and usually allowed three to four runs.

Manaea may not have called himself the ace, but the money paid him said otherwise. No team that loses its top arm is going to perform well for an extended time. New York was no different, and the issues got worse as Manaea’s return time got delayed by a loose body discovery in his left elbow.

The Mets frequently resorted to bullpen days with two starters out. Stearns’ refusal to call up top young arms severely limited Manager Carlos Mendoza’s options. Many games felt like the equivalent of raising a white flag; New York’s record floundered to a 10-20 stretch.

Dynamic Performance Upon Return

Manaea finally returned on July 13th in a bullpen appearance. He looked terrific, striking out seven batters and displaying his form from late last season. He followed that up with a strong four innings against the Cincinnati Reds, allowing a run and fanning six before Mendoza lifted him.

The Mets have understandably been careful not to push Manaea too hard as he works to get fully stretched out. This kept him from potentially gaining a victory against the Reds.

On Wednesday, Manaea sought his season’s first win. He commanded the Los Angeles Angels, flashing excellent strikeout ability with terrific command. He gave up only two hits and a run in five innings, fanning five.

Most importantly, Manaea looked like an ace; he exhibited confidence and composure. Frontline pitchers make their teammates better as they expect instead of hope to win. Their energy levels and quality of play rise.

New York responded with one of its best games since the team slump began in mid-June. Francisco Lindor, who came in hitless in his last 30 at-bats, smacked two singles, driving in two. Pete Alonso, who also had been scuffling, blasted a titanic 439-foot power jack, knocking in three. Brett Baty, Mark Vientos, and Starling Marte also contributed hits, creating a well-balanced lineup.

The Mets, a poor-hitting team with runners in scoring position, hit .300 Wednesday afternoon. The production added up to six runs and 10 hits, and a game well in control, something New York hasn’t been able to say often lately. The Manaea effect is real and will only intensify as he ramps up.

End Of My Sean Manaea Rant

The Mets have lost numerous games when victories seemed within their grasp. Poor clutch hitting and pitching scrambling led to the close giveaways. It’s understandable, then, why many fans feel a high level of frustration.

It’s essential to remember that not one day this season has New York had its anticipated starting rotation whole. Most significantly, they have played most of the season without their projected ace. Most teams would have crumbled.

The Mets, despite their recent swoon, are in first place. They hold a half-game lead over the Philadelphia Phillies. They have one of the best records despite constant adversity. They have Manaea back and ready to ignite.

New York’s ceiling is that of a World Series champion. There are probably a dozen teams that can say likewise, but most have also played with their top pitchers healthy. The Mets haven’t, making it impossible to fulfill their potential. Now that Manaea has returned, they have the greatest capability for a sizable leap. Wednesday provided a small taste of what could be around the horizon.