...
By Matt Musico
Contributing Sports Writer
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
The New York Yankees have spent most of this offseason hanging out at the top of the free-agent market. Their time has been consumed with pursuing outfielder Juan Soto, as well as touching base with top starting pitchers Corbin Burnes and Max Fried. Could New York Mets hurler Sean Manaea also be on their radar?
Manaea was the only player Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns signed to a multi-year deal last winter. It was a two-year, $28 million agreement that included an opt-out after 2024. The 32-year-old southpaw had a resurgent year in Queens, posting a 12-6 record with a 3.47 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 184 strikeouts in 181 2/3 innings.
That led to him exercising his opt-out to pursue a more lucrative deal, and he should have no problem doing so. The Athletic's Tim Britton is projecting a four-year, $76 million guarantee for the veteran.
Read More on MLB
...
Bleacher Report's Zachary D. Rymer named the top 10 landing spots for Manaea as his market gets set to heat up. He ranked the Yankees fifth overall.
"The general implication is that the Yankees are willing to go big-game hunting to improve their rotation. Starting pitching was one of their major strengths in 2024, but Cole is 34 years old and Rodón, Stroman and Gil come with varying degrees of volatility," Rymer wrote. "For his part, Manaea is a relatively safe option. He's had his ups, downs and injuries, but his arm is healthy and his pitching style isn't based on overpowering hitters."
Rymer does think Manaea heading to the Bronx is less likely if the Yankees re-sign Soto. Whichever team does land the southpaw could be getting a difference-maker. ESPN's Dave Schoenfield also declared Manaea could be the "steal of free agency" based on all the variables regarding his situation.
More MLB: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. 'Likes' Idea of Playing With Juan Soto for AL East Rival
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines