3 NY Mets free agent reunions that have not yielded the results we were looking for

2) Sean Manaea

Another Met that has been twinged by his right side, the absence of Sean Manaea has been swept under the rug mainly because of the unsuspected, yet exemplary, pitching. The ability to limit runs across the starting rotation and bullpen are what has largely brought the Mets to the upper echelon of the Major Leagues, winning contests where the offense, at times, provided minuscule production. The pitching statistics speak for themselves, providing early revelations into Stearns’ vision of obscure possibilities translating into positive, tangible results. Evidently, what was once a major concern heading into the campaign has become a source of strength and foundation for a contingent aspiring to live up to daunting expectations.

But as the season rolls on, the wear-and-tear becomes more apparent and frequent. Within the past couple of weeks, the likes of A.J. Minter and Danny Young going down, and expected to miss prolonged periods of time, have highlighted a bullpen possibly already being pushed to its limits. Even though the results from the starting pitchers have been there, what has been largely absent is the quantity and length.

As the 33-year-old works through his progression and rehab, Mets fans are still waiting to see the starting rotation in its final form. Part of the reason the Amazins went as deep as they did last year was because of Manaea’s steady presence at the top of the starting rotation, while also providing length and durability when it was needed from him.

Whenever Manaea toes the mound for the first time this season, it will be a welcome sight knowing the revamped southpaw will look to replicate his success from the prior season. Until then, the ever-evolving patchwork during and between games will continue.