Sean Manaea: Mets Were A “Perfect Fit”

One of the biggest surprises of the 2024 New York Mets was the emergence of pitcher Sean Manaea. The Mets signed Manaea to a one-year deal, hoping he could provide some depth in the starting rotation. Instead, they got a pitcher who found a groove and showed he could be a top-of-the-line starter as he led the rotation to the NLCS. Manaea finished the season 12-6 with a 3.47 ERA. The Mets were able to re-sign Manaea in free agency to a three-year, $75 million deal. Manaea spoke to the media for the first time since inking his new contract on Monday.

A Perfect Fit

Last year, the Mets and pitching coach Jeremy Hefner worked with Manaea and adjusted his throwing motion. That led to a strong second half for Manaea and a big reason for his new contract. Manaea spoke about how staying in Queens was a good fit for him and how he and Hefner work together.

“I think just based off of last year with the coaching staff and everything that we had going on, I thought it was a perfect fit.”

Like new Met Juan Soto, Manaea recognized the Mets as a good organization for families and players. While Manaea doesn’t have children yet, he and his new wife, Talat, were impressed with the daycare, and how the organization communicates with the wives, paying attention to their comfort. This was all in addition to other perks like ticket accommodations.

Re-Teaming Up With Juan Soto

The highlight of the Mets’ offseason was the signing of Juan Soto to a record-breaking deal. Manaea and Soto reunite after spending the 2022 season in San Diego. The southpaw noted, “I’m super-happy he’s on my team, and I do not have to face him anymore.” Manaea commented that until his time with San Diego, he had never been on a team that acquired a mega-talent like Soto. When the Padres got him, even Manaea felt Soto’s energy and saw him carry it throughout the season and into the postseason.

Working Out With Pete Alonso

The Mets need another power bat, and like Manaea, they’re trying to reunite with Pete Alonso, one of the remaining big-name free agents on the market. Manaea commented he’s been working out with Alonso almost every day in Tampa and “will always support him, but would definitely love to have Pete back on the Mets and be our first baseman.”

His Friendship With Frankie Montas

One of the Mets’ first moves was signing Frankie Montas. Montas and Manaea were very close in Oakland, and Manaea will rejoin a starting rotation as a Met with Montas and another new addition, Clay Holmes.

“I love Frankie to death and am very happy to reunite with him.”

Manaea also looks forward to getting to know Holmes and working with the rest of the new additions the Mets have made and will make before spring training begins.

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