SP Sean Manaea - Oblique
After re-signing with the Mets this offseason on a 3-year deal worth $75 million, Manaea, a crucial piece in the Mets' rotation, was diagnosed with a right oblique strain on February 24th. According to David Stearns, Manaea will be retested and reimaged either Monday or Tuesday, but the lefty is still expected to start the season on the 15-day IL.
Already a seasoned veteran, Manaea has seen time as a member of the Athletics, Padres, and Giants, but none of his years were as successful as his 2024 campaign with the Mets, achieving a 3.47 ERA and recording a 12-6 record over 32 starts, even finishing 11th in NL Cy Young voting. Impressed by his performance, the team re-signed him as a key part of the rotation after he decided to terminate the 2-year, $28 million contract he originally signed before last season.
Fans should keep their fingers crossed for good news on Manaea's front. The retesting and reimaging he is set to undergo will determine whether or not he can start a throwing program. If not, he will likely miss more time. Without Manaea, the Mets are currently looking at a rotation consisting of Kodai Senga, David Peterson, Clay Holmes, Tylor Megill, Griffin Canning, and potentially Paul Blackburn as they are dealing with the absence of Frankie Montas as well.