New York Mets left-hander Sean Manaea will begin the season in the bullpen rather than as part of the starting rotation. Manager Carlos Mendoza announced that Manaea will take on a “piggyback” role, where he will follow a starter in the early games of the season. The Mets have a solid starting lineup that includes Freddy Peralta, David Peterson, Nolan McLean, Clay Holmes, and Koda Senga, prompting the decision to utilize Manaea in a relief capacity. Despite a strong performance in 2024, where he achieved a 12-6 record and a 3.47 ERA, Manaea struggled last season with a 2-4 record and a 5.64 ERA. Mendoza indicated that the team may not require a sixth starter initially due to an abundance of off days on the schedule.
Why It Matters
Sean Manaea’s transition to a bullpen role highlights the Mets’ depth in pitching options, particularly after acquiring Freddy Peralta from the Milwaukee Brewers. The Mets have emphasized competition for starting spots, as Manaea has historically been a starter, appearing in 210 of 243 career games in that role. The decision also reflects a strategic approach to managing pitchers’ workloads early in the season, a practice that has become increasingly common in Major League Baseball to prevent injuries and maximize performance over the long haul. With a team focused on maintaining pitching quality, Manaea’s role will be crucial in supporting the starting rotation while the Mets navigate their early-season schedule.
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