The New York Mets have made a big move to solidify its starting rotation following the nine-figure signing of Juan Soto by agreeing a reunion with left-hander Sean Manaea.

The Mets are enjoying the offseason and improving their roster after coming close to an all-New York World Series in 2024. The eventual World Series winners, the Los Angeles Dodgers, defeated the Mets in the National League Championship Series (NLCS) 4-2.

The franchise pinched superstar Soto from New York rivals, the Yankees, in a deal worth more than $750m, and now they’re looking to keep hold of left-hander Manaea in a three-year, $75m deal, according to ESPN. The 33-year-old enjoyed a career year at the Mets last season, recording a 3.47 ERA and 184 strikeouts over 32 starts and 181 2/3 innings.

The Mets and Manaea agreed on a new contract despite the player becoming a free agent this offseason after opting out of Year 2 of his $28m contract. Manaea will continue in a rotation room that also includes No. 1 Kodai Senga and $34m Frankie Montas. David Peterson and Tylor Megill will also remain in New York.

“Definitely the best [season] of my career,” Manaea said after his final start in NLCS Game 6. “I was super proud of all the work that I was able to put in with everybody here, on and off the field. Just super proud of this whole year as a whole.”

Manaea immediately hinted that he’d like to remain in New York in October. His love for the city and franchise was clear. “I loved my time here,” Manaea said. “I love New York, I love the organization, I love all the people here.”

Mets owner Steve Cohen is optimistic following his franchise’s offseason signings, especially Soto. “I’m excited by the Mets’ future,” Cohen said at Soto’s introductory news conference. “I think this accelerates our goal of winning championships.”

Sean Manaea staying follows on from Soto's arrival

Sean Manaea staying follows on from Soto’s arrival ( 

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Getty)

Cohen and Co. went big on Soto, with his contract eclipsing that of Shohei Ohtani’s $700m deal with the Dodgers in Dec. 2023. “I want to thank Juan and Scott for believing in what we’re building here,” Cohen said.

The money may be flowing in Flushing, but it’s the family environment that drew Soto across town to the Mets. “They showed me a lot of love… How they’re going to make it comfortable for me,” he said. “That’s one of the things I was looking for.”

“They always talk about family. They always talk about stick(ing) together,” Soto added. “That’s one of the things that opened my eyes.”