After the New York Mets found themselves in need of a top pitcher when Kodai Senga was sidelined during the 2024 season, Sean Manaea stepped into the role.

The left-handed pitcher will take on a key role in the team’s rotation for the coming years. Reports indicate that Manaea has agreed to a three-year contract worth $75 million with the Mets, with ESPN’s Jeff Passan being the first to report the agreement.

Last season, the 32-year-old Manaea was arguably the most influential starter for the Mets during their journey to the National League Championship Series. After a previous season spent bouncing between the Giants’ rotation and bullpen, he wrapped up with a record of 12 wins and 6 losses, a 3.47 ERA, a 1.08 WHIP, and 184 strikeouts over a career-high 181⅔ innings pitched.

Manaea had to demonstrate that he deserved a starting position when he joined the Mets on a two-year contract worth $28 million, which included the option to opt-out after the 2024 season. With Senga dealing with issues related to his shoulder and calf, Manaea proved himself to be one of the top pitchers on the team.

As the Mets aimed for a playoff position, Manaea adjusted his pitching technique by slightly lowering his arm angle and managed to achieve 12 quality starts out of his last 17 appearances during the closing months of the season, with nine of those games lasting at least seven innings.

During the team’s playoff campaign, Manaea was a crucial part of the rotation. In his first three starts throughout the playoffs, he achieved a 2-0 record, earning victories against the Phillies in Game 3 of the NLDS and the Dodgers in Game 2 of the NLCS, allowing only five earned runs across 17 innings (2.65 ERA) while striking out 17 batters. However, he struggled in his final start, giving up five earned runs on six hits and two walks over two innings in the Dodgers’ decisive Game 6 win.

“Special,” Manaea remarked when asked to describe his experience with the Mets last season after the defeat. “I don’t think anyone anticipated we would make it this far, and it was one of the most amazing, magical runs I’ve ever experienced. I’m just happy to have been a small part of this team.”

Manaea earned another chance at free agency following his impressive performance last season. He chose to opt-out of the final year of his contract and declined the team’s qualifying offer of $21.05 million.

Now, he secures a longer-term agreement with the chance to continue his career in New York. Throughout his time in Flushing, Manaea embraced the city, using the subway to travel to games and becoming a friendly presence in the clubhouse.

As he re-joins the Mets, Manaea is set to be a leading starter in the rotation alongside Senga. Additionally, the Mets recently signed Frankie Montas to a two-year deal valued at $34 million and Clay Holmes to a three-year contract worth $38 million, both of which have player options for the last year.

Following a breakout season in 2024, fellow lefty David Peterson is also expected to occupy one of the rotation spots in the upcoming season.

The Mets are also poised with several depth options, including Paul Blackburn, newcomer Griffin Canning, and Tylor Megill, all of whom can step up and deliver significant innings.