An intriguing situation is developing with the New York Mets’ starting rotation.

New York’s rotation was based on short-term deals in 2024, and as successful as it was, it will now have a very different look. The top three playoff starters all became free agents, with Luis Severino already signing elsewhere and the Mets bringing in Clay Holmes, Frankie Montas and Griffin Canning as rotation options.

The Mets’ best free agent in terms of performance in 2024 was clearly Sean Manaea. He had the best ERA (3.47) of any New York regular-season starter and then shined in the playoffs with great outings against the Milwaukee Brewers, Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers.

Will Manaea be back in Queens soon? One baseball writer thinks so.

On Friday, Zachary D. Rymer predicted the Mets would sign Manaea to a three-year, $75 million contract that would run through the left-hander’s age-35 season.

“(Manaea) represents a good chance to age well as he can beat hitters through sheer variation,” Rymer said. “He has six throws and his new delivery makes it even harder for hitters to track the ball.”

“If Yusei Kikuchi can get $63 million in this market for three years, Manaea should have at least that much to offer…” Forecast: Re-signs with the New York Mets for three years, $75 million.”

Changing his arm slot to mimic Chris Sale has had a massive impact on Manaea’s ability to hit and miss, which should help him continue to produce in 2025. If he can do that, he’ll definitely be worth the expense.

Such a deal wouldn’t be without risk, however, as Manaea had endured two difficult seasons in the National League West before signing a contract with the Mets. Here’s hoping the changes he made were permanent enough to sustain the length of his next contract.

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