The Mets brought back lefty Sean Manaea with a three-year, $75M deal this offseason, but they will most likely be without the 33-year-old when they start the season. Manaea was shut down on Monday, and manager Carlos Mendoza said he is likely to start the season on the IL.
Carlos Mendoza gives an update on injuries, including Nick Madrigal having a fracture in his shoulder that will keep him out for "a long time"
Mendoza also shared Sean Manaea has an oblique muscle strain and will be expected to start the season on the IL. pic.twitter.com/o0OAKufOiY
— SNY (@SNYtv) February 24, 2025
Manaea will be shut down for a while, according to Mendoza, who said, “It could take 7, 14, 21 days to heal. Once he’s symptom-free he’ll start his throwing again.” At that point, he’ll have to ramp up to full strength, which is why he likely won’t be ready for the start of the season.
Fantasy baseball impact
The Mets will likely be without both Manaea and Frankie Montas (lat) on Opening Day, opening up rotation spots for Paul Blackburn or Griffin Canning to step up as early-season solutions for New York.
The Mets are hopeful that Manaea can be their second starting pitcher after Kodai Senga. Manaea went 12-6 in 32 starts for the Mets last season, posting a 3.47 ERA, 3.83 FIP and 9.1 K/9. He was especially strong down the stretch, and the Mets will hope he returns to form quickly to help anchor the rotation.
Behind Senga, the Mets will rely on converted reliever Clay Holmes, David Peterson, Tylor Megill and now likely either Blackburn or Canning as the team’s fifth starter until Montas or Manaea are ready to return.
This obviously deals a big blow to Manaea’s potential fantasy value in best ball and season-long leagues, but he could drop to the point where he ends up being a value, so keep a close eye on his fantasy stock and his injury updates as spring training continues.
