MLB Rumors: Sean Manaea Will Reject Mets’ $21 Million Qualifying Offer, Test Free Agency | News, scores, highlights, stats and rumors

Sean Manaea will reportedly try his luck in free agency this season.

According to ESPN’s Alden González, the starting pitcher will turn down the New York Mets’ $21.05 million qualifying offer and try to get some more free agency, either from the Mets or another team.

Manaea had one of the best seasons of his career in 2024, striking out 184 batters and posting a 3.47 ERA and 1.08 WHIP in 32 appearances. His ERA was his best since 2019, when he played just five games for the Oakland Athletics.

He came alive in the second half of the season, posting a 3.09 ERA in his last 12 starts, helping the Mets secure a postseason bid. In the playoffs, he had a 2.65 ERA with 17 strikeouts over 17 innings in his first three starts. His numbers dipped a bit in the NLCS when he gave up five runs in two innings against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Manaea had a $13.5 million option for the 2025 season but declined earlier in November. He was expected to decline the qualifying offer for the Mets.

SNY’s Alex Smith noted that if Manaea signs with another team, the Mets would receive draft compensation.

The Mets are coming off a successful 89-73 in which they made a great postseason run to the NLCS and ultimately fell to the Dodgers. While Manaea will evaluate his future in free agency, it seems likely that New York will look to retain him given his role on the team in 2024.