2 NY Mets players we'll be thankful for in 2026, 2 who'll sit at the kid's table

Kid's table: Sean Manaea

Sean Manaea has meant a great deal to the franchise since his arrival two seasons ago. He was one of the most reliable arms, if not the most reliable, the Mets had on their Cinderella run to the NLCS in 2024. During seasons in which he appeared 10 times or more, he posted career bests in ERA, hits per nine, and home runs per 9. Without Manaea, the Mets don't make the playoffs, and they don't reach the brink of making the World Series.

Unfortunately, the good times were not here to stay. As good as 2024 was for Manaea, it was as bad as 2025 was for him. He started the season on the IL with an oblique strain. His debut was pushed back further upon the discovery of a loose body in his left elbow. When he finally made his return, it wasn't pretty.

Sure, he got off to a relatively hot start. But quickly it became clear, this wasn't the same Sean Manaea. His ERA began to skyrocket, finishing at a career worst 5.64. He also posted career-worsts in home run percentage and home runs per 9. It got so bad that he finished the season in the bullpen, not able to be trusted with a start.

Manaea will be 34 on opening day. I hate to say it, but the signs aren't trending in the right direction. A pitcher in his mid-30s who's coming off the worst year of his career, partially due to the health of his pitching elbow, is not the kind of player you imagine going up from here.

It pains me to say it, but the man who was once considered the ace may become nothing more than an unpopular albatross at an AAV of almost $20 million. I hope I'm wrong.