Sean Manaea really showcased his skills on Monday. Right from the start, seeing how he handled the Dodgers’ leadoff hitter, the confidence in his approach was evident—he was in control, making smart pitches that kept the Dodgers guessing. One of the things that helped Manea was to copy veteran Chris Sale. Watching Sale’s start must have been a real eye-opener for Manaea. Sale has such a unique approach and a wealth of experience, and Manaea really carried that momentum into Tuesday’s game!

He pitched into the seventh inning shows not just skill but also stamina and composure, especially against a team like the Diamondbacks in such a crucial series. That 8-3 victory must have felt fantastic for the Mets, especially after a challenging season. It’s like Manaea took Sale’s lessons to heart and turned them into action. According to the New York Post, Ohtani going 0-for-3 with two strikeouts is a highlight for the Mets, especially given how dangerous he can be. It shows how effective Manaea was in executing his game plan. 

Containing someone like Ohtani is no small feat, but while shutting down Ohtani is crucial, it’s just one piece of the puzzle when facing the Dodgers. Manaea’s perspective is spot on! “He’s just one of the guys in the lineup and I was trying to do my job and put up zeroes,” he said after the Mets’ 7-3 victory in Game 2 of the NLCS at Dodger Stadium, adding, “[Ohtani] is very talented and I was just trying to get on to the next guy.”

Treating Ohtani as just another hitter, he keeps his mentality sharp and avoids getting overwhelmed by the moment. But how do you think this mindset will influence the Mets as they continue their playoff journey? 

Sean Manaea’s resurgence has been a game-changer 

Signing that two-year deal after opting out of his Giants contract was a bold move, but it’s paying off. At 32, he’s been a reliable force in the rotation, stepping up when the team needed it most. Manager Carlos Mendoza has leaned on him heavily, and it’s no wonder why. Manaea really found his groove in the Mets rotation this season – finishing with a 3.47 ERA and setting a new career high in innings pitched.

His impressive gameplay is showcased through those solid stats—1.08 WHIP, 9.12 K/9, and 6.64 H/9. Moreover, the fact that the Mets won 23 of his 32 starts speaks volumes about Sean Manaea’s impact on the team. Given his performance, it’s hard to see him turning down the opportunity to test free agency, especially if he believes he can secure a more lucrative deal. Unless Sean really wants to stay in New York at a discount, it seems likely he’ll explore his options this winter.

Manaea’s resurgence could attract a lot of attention from other teams looking for a reliable left-handed pitcher. How do you believe the Mets should approach this situation: to keep him around or be prepared to look for other options if Sean Manaea does opt out? Let us know your take in the comments below.