Grading the 4 NY Mets starting pitcher contracts they've added this offseason

In their quest to remake their starting rotation, the New York Mets found themselves shopping at various tiers and price points throughout the offseason. No, they didn't dip into the rarified air of the very top-end of the market, but they spent handsomely on some additions while keeping the length low, and took fliers elsewhere.

The player's performance matters when evaluating the contract, but more important is the value of the contract itself. You can talk yourself into any player being a good deal if the price (and length) is right, whereas a player you might really like could be a bad deal if the contract exceeds a reasonable approximation of that player's value.

With those parameters out of the way, let's examine these contracts and grade what was good and what could have been better.

The Sean Manaea deal was a great one for the NY Mets

The longer Manaea remained on the free agent market and the more mid-tier starters signed inflated deals, it began to look as if the veteran southpaw was going to price himself out of a return to Flushing.

When Nathan Eovaldi, entering his age-35 season, signed a three-year $75 million contract with the Texas Rangers many thought that Manaea who is two years younger and outperformed Eovaldi last season would sign an even bigger deal.

Manaea was unquestionably the Mets' best starter last season, logging 181.2 innings and posting a 3.47 ERA, leading many to believe that he'd cash in on that superb performance to land a deal that may surpass three years, as this might be his last opportunity to score a big money contract.

Instead, the Mets were able to retain their stud starter on the same deal that Eovaldi received with Texas, three years and $75 million. $25 million in AAV is a fair number for the lefty, but the absence of a fourth or fifth year as some had predicted makes this contract a win.

The Mets bring back a player they rejuvenated and trusted. One who can slot in at the top of the rotation and eat innings while performing at a high level. They do so at about market rate, but over a term that minimizes risk that the deal with age poorly. That's a big win.

Grade: A-