Mets could lose surprising ace pitcher to free agency, per insider

The New York Mets are slipping a bit in August, but they are still right in the thick of the playoff hunt, thanks in no small part to their pitching staff.

In spite of losing 2023 ace Kodai Senga to injury, the Mets have a respectable 4.23 starter ERA, and their starters have thrown the sixth-most innings in the National League. With a high-powered offense, the Mets have managed to climb within one game of a playoff spot.

The Mets' focus remains on their playoff push, but it's reasonable to wonder what that starting staff might look like next season, with so many pitchers locked in on short contracts. And chief among those is the pitcher who has been the most effective starter for the Mets all year.

Sean Manaea, who signed a two-year deal with the Mets including an opt-out for 2025, has been excellent in his first year in Flushing. According to one insider, his performance has made it all but certain that Manaea will opt out.

Jon Heyman discussed Manaea's future on MLB Network Tuesday morning, making it clear he believes Manaea will be on the market again in 2025.

"He's been great, so there's no reason, barring any injury, for him not to opt out," Heyman said. "He's basically been the Mets' ace this year."

Manaea, 32, leads all Mets starters in ERA (3.44), strikeouts (125), wins (eight), and opponent batting average (.219). He is scheduled to make $13.5 million in 2025 but has the option to become a free agent for the second winter in a row.

Heyman also said he expects the Mets to make an attempt at re-signing Manaea.

"He loves it in New York," Heyman said. "I think the Mets are going to try to keep him, but he will opt out."

Even if Senga returns to full strength in 2025, the Mets will have a ton of innings to replace if Manaea leaves. Fellow starters Luis Severino and José Quintana are also unrestricted free agents.

For now, Manaea is focused on trying to help the Mets into the playoffs. And the better he pitches, the more he can push his free agent price tag upward.

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