The surprise free agent Mets must prioritize over Pete Alonso, per insider

The New York Mets have surprised a lot of baseball fans in 2024. And they're not done just yet.

After walking off the Baltimore Orioles twice in a three-game series, the Mets sit only 1 1/2 games behind the Atlanta Braves for the third and final wild-card spot in the National League. They have surpassed expectations, given that most assumed they wouldn't compete until 2025.

The main reason the Mets have been successful is their prolific offense since the start of June, led by Francisco Lindor, Pete Alonso, Mark Vientos, and several others. But the pitching staff, thought to be the Mets' biggest weakness, has also done its part.

Without ace Kodai Senga for virtually the entire season, the Mets have had to rely on a starting rotation led by a bevy of veteran reclamation projects. One of those veterans has been so good that a national baseball insider believes the Mets must make him their top free-agent priority.

Jon Heyman of the New York Post wrote recently that he believes the Mets must prioritize re-signing starting pitcher Sean Manaea this winter, over Alonso or any other free agent.

"The focus among Mets free agents understandably will continue to be homegrown slugger Pete Alonso, and I get it. He’s a great Met, the fans love him and he’s hit as many home runs as anyone since he entered MLB in 2019," Heyman said. "But at the moment, anyway, I’m more concerned about Manaea considering Mets needs."

Manaea, 32, has been a pleasant surprise as the de facto ace of the Mets this season. Signed to a two-year contract this winter with an opt-out after year one, Manaea has put together a 9-5 record, 3.48 ERA, 138 strikeouts, and a 1.17 WHIP.

After he struggled as a starter for the San Diego Padres in 2022 and moonlighted as a bulk reliever for the San Francisco Giants in 2023, Manaea has firmly established himself as a trustworthy starter moving forward. But do the Mets trust him enough to lock him up?

Heyman, for his part, seems to think Manaea loves New York, so perhaps there will be a hometown discount of sorts.

"I’ve occasionally run into Manaea on the subway back from Citi Field... and he looks like he even enjoys both the 7 and 4 trains. He lives in Midtown and is relishing all that’s offered here," Heyman said. "Hopefully, he’s found a home here."

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