Manaea Rejects Mets' Qualifying Offer, Hits Free Agency

Left-handed pitcher Sean Manaea has officially declined the New York Mets' one-year, $21.05 million qualifying offer. This decision was widely anticipated, as Manaea is expected to pursue a longer-term deal on the open market.

By rejecting the qualifying offer, Manaea will become a free agent. The Mets will receive draft-pick compensation if he signs with another team.

Manaea enjoyed a strong 2024 season with the Mets, posting a 3.47 ERA and a 1.084 WHIP in 32 starts. His performance was particularly impressive in the second half of the season, where he posted a 3.09 ERA over his final 12 starts.

The 32-year-old lefty also made a significant impact in the playoffs, pitching to a 2.65 ERA in 17 innings over his first three postseason appearances. While he struggled in Game 6 of the NLCS against the Dodgers, his overall playoff performance solidified his value as a top-tier starting pitcher.

​As Manaea enters free agency, he is likely to generate significant interest from multiple teams. With his strong track record and recent postseason success, he is poised to command a lucrative multi-year contract.