Top 5 Landing Spots for MLB Free Agent Sean Manaea
SportsGrid Contributor Just Baseball
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Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers emerged as a surprise playoff team in 2024, but their rotation lacked depth behind Tarik Skubal. Adding Manaea would provide Detroit with much-needed stability and innings. The spacious dimensions of Comerica Park would complement Manaea’s pitching style, potentially reducing his home run totals. For a Tigers team looking to build on its success, Manaea represents a valuable veteran presence to mentor their young pitching staff.
New York Mets
Thanks to Just Baseball for research, analysis and insights for this slideshow article.
The New York Mets seem poised to retain Sean Manaea after his stellar season and postseason contributions. With Manaea rejecting the $21.05 million qualifying offer, the Mets are expected to pursue a longer-term deal. Manaea’s 3.47 ERA, 137 strikeouts, and workhorse mentality make him an integral piece for New York's rotation as they navigate significant free-agent departures. If owner Steve Cohen’s spending history is any indication, Manaea may very well return to Queens as a cornerstone of the Mets’ 2025 pitching staff.
Baltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles need starting pitching to maintain their contender status in the AL East, especially with Corbin Burnes possibly leaving. Manaea offers the consistency and strikeout potential Baltimore needs. With their young core headlined by Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson, the Orioles’ new ownership might see Manaea as the key to solidifying their rotation. If Baltimore is ready to spend, Manaea is an ideal fit to complement their talented roster.
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Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are actively seeking pitching reinforcements, and Sean Manaea aligns perfectly with their needs. With Nick Pivetta testing free agency, the Red Sox could replace him with Manaea, whose ground-ball tendencies suit Fenway Park’s dimensions. After a season of inconsistent pitching performances, Manaea’s reliability could stabilize Boston’s rotation and position them as contenders in the competitive AL East.
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Houston Astros
The Houston Astros find themselves in need of pitching help after losing Yusei Kikuchi in free agency. Manaea’s ability to generate ground balls makes him a perfect fit for Minute Maid Park, where fly-ball pitchers often struggle. Pairing Manaea with Framber Valdez and Hunter Brown could keep Houston’s rotation competitive, even with the departure of key contributors. Manaea’s postseason experience would also add value to the Astros’ playoff aspirations.
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Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers emerged as a surprise playoff team in 2024, but their rotation lacked depth behind Tarik Skubal. Adding Manaea would provide Detroit with much-needed stability and innings. The spacious dimensions of Comerica Park would complement Manaea’s pitching style, potentially reducing his home run totals. For a Tigers team looking to build on its success, Manaea represents a valuable veteran presence to mentor their young pitching staff.
New York Mets
Thanks to Just Baseball for research, analysis and insights for this slideshow article.
The New York Mets seem poised to retain Sean Manaea after his stellar season and postseason contributions. With Manaea rejecting the $21.05 million qualifying offer, the Mets are expected to pursue a longer-term deal. Manaea’s 3.47 ERA, 137 strikeouts, and workhorse mentality make him an integral piece for New York's rotation as they navigate significant free-agent departures. If owner Steve Cohen’s spending history is any indication, Manaea may very well return to Queens as a cornerstone of the Mets’ 2025 pitching staff.
