Mets projected $30 million key piece predicted to opt out of deal

The New York Mets had a great offseason last year.

New York wanted to add some veteran depth to the organization and did so by targeting bounce-back candidates on cheap contracts. The Mets seemingly hit on every deal, and one player who has shined is starting pitcher Sean Manaea.

Manaea was solid in 2023 with the San Francisco Giants and had a 4.44 ERA across 37 total appearances -- including 10 starts. New York fully returned him to the starting rotation, and he responded by having the best season of his career.

The 32-year-old made 32 starts for the Mets in the regular season and had a 3.47 ERA and 184-to-63 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 181 2/3 innings pitched. Manaea was everything the Mets hoped for, and it wouldn't be shocking if they wanted him to return in 2025. While this is the case, he has a player option for the 2025 season, and Michael Ginnitti predicted that he will end up opting out .

"Sean Manaea (starting pitcher, Mets)," Ginnitti said. "Manaea opted out of a two-year, $25M contract with San Francisco last winter, into a two-year, $28M contract with New York. He posted his best numbers in three years, and could conceivably be viewed as the Mets’ ace for much of their stretch run.

"It seems a lock that the 32-year-old will punt on a $13.5M salary for a chance to lock in a multi-year guarantee this winter. He projects toward a two-year, $30M contract in our system. Prediction: Declined."

Manaea will be a hot commodity on the open market if he opts out. The Mets certainly could afford to bring him back, but will they get a deal done?

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