Mets breakout starter linked to Giants after strong 2024 season

The San Francisco Giants failed to reach the postseason for the third consecutive year and also recorded their second consecutive losing season.

After finishing 80-82 and falling to fourth place in the National League West, San Francisco is going to have some work to do.

They may need some starting pitching help this winter, as left-hander Blake Snell is expected to opt out of his contract and return to the free agent market.

Chances are the Giants won't be able to re-sign him, but they could reunite with a former member of their rotation for half the price.

Zachary D. Rymer listed the Giants as a potential landing spot for lefty Sean Manaea, who has been a revelation for the New York Mets.

Manaea has made two starts this postseason for the Mets. His most recent one came in Game 3 of the NLDS against the Philadelphia Phillies when he allowed just one run over seven innings.

Of course, Manaea won't come cheap after his breakout campaign, but he will be more affordable than Snell.

The veteran left-hander spent the 2023 season with the Giants, going 7-6 with a 4.44 ERA in 37 appearances, 10 of which were starts.

He was primarily used as a reliever in San Francisco, but with Snell likely gone, there is an opening in the Giants rotation.

This season, Manaea won 12 games with the Mets and posted a 3.47 ERA in 32 starts and pitched 181 2/3 innings, striking out 184 batters. His market will be competitive, but the Giants should have the resources to get a deal done for the left-hander.

We'll see if they come calling for his services again.

More MLB: Giants linked to $500 million Yankees slugger with free agency looming