The New York Mets truly seem like the heroes of this off-season. Steve Cohen effortlessly managed to snag Juan Soto off the market from the New York Yankees; it did cost him $765 million, but what’s this number to a billionaire like him? However, this is not where the Mets stopped with their competitive signing; they have added Clay Holmes and Frankie Montas too. Even though the Pete Alonso deal seemed to go nowhere, the cards might have fallen in their favor, and he may return.

Plus, now, the team has another name added to their bullpen—Sean Manaea. They are signing him for a three-year, $75 million deal, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Manaea’s arrival adds just another reliable arm to the mix. However, Manaea’ isn’t just a reliable arm; he is much more, and Mets voice Howie Rose recently revealed that on Twitter.

A pitching star with a heart of gold

Longtime Mets voice Howie Rose shared on X the great news about Sean Manaea. In his post, Rose not only celebrated the Mets bringing the top-tier pitcher back but also highlighted what an authentic guy Manaea really is. “Happy Festivus, @Mets fans. Not only have the Mets brought back a terrific pitcher, but Sean Manaea is one of the nicest, friendliest, most down-to-earth people to come through their clubhouse in years. Always smiling, yet fiercely competitive. Great move,” Rose wrote.

Manaea’s genuine character that Rose highlighted actually was on full display during the All-Star break. Unlike many of his teammates, he chose to stay in the city, spending time with his mother and fiancée. But staying in the city meant one challenge: how to keep his arm in shape with Citi Field on break, so, one afternoon, Sean Manaea went to Central Park, hoping to find a wall where he could throw his Plyo balls.

Instead, he came across a group of players in a league name—some recognized him, and a few players asked for photos, but Manaea had a different request. “I asked them if they wanted to play catch,” Manea noted. The group was more than thrilled, and so for the next half hour, Sean Manaea tossed balls with members of the softball league, highlighting just how approachable he truly is.

Sean Manaea’s transformation with the Mets

Manaea, in his time before the New York Mets, did have his struggles. However, after reaching New York, Sean flourished, and the major reason is— his ability to adopt. The turning point came when he watched Cy Young winner Chris Sale dominate at Ciet Field and then, inspired by Sale’s unique arm, he decided to drop his arm slot. And that changed the game! This tweak transformed Manaea’s season and unlocked a whole new level to his performance. The stats speak for themselves!

Before dropping that arm slot, Manaea made 20 starts, pitching 106 innings with a 3.74 ERA and a 22.6% strikeout rate plus a 10.1% walk rate. After the adjustment, over the 12 starts and 75 2/3 innings, he had a 3.09 ERA, a 28.4 strikeout rate, and a reduced 6.2% walk rate. This next start saw him with a jaw-dropping 11-strikeout shutout against the Minnesota Twins. 

Plus, despite a tough Game 6 in the NLCS against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Manaea has proved his worth. By the opening day, he will be a dependable starter, giving the Mets that edge they need. Coming into 2024, Manaea had signed a $28 million deal with the NY Mets, and it included an opt-out after his first year. This season, he used that option and became a free season, and it has paid off big time.

Sean’s old contract had paid him around $14 million per year; however, this new contract will get him $25 million per year. So, what do you think about Sean Manaea’s new journey? Let us know in the comments below.