In Port St. Lucie, the Mets have made a strategic decision as they gear up for the new season.
Despite having a healthy roster of pitchers, manager Carlos Mendoza confirmed they won't start with a six-man rotation. Instead, Sean Manaea will transition to the bullpen in a piggyback role, at least for the beginning of the season.
As the Grapefruit League winds down, Mendoza laid out his pitching game plan. Freddy Peralta is set to take the mound on Opening Day, with David Peterson and Nolan McLean following for the initial series against the Pirates.
Clay Holmes and Kodai Senga will then face off against the Cardinals in St. Louis.
Mendoza explained the decision process, noting, "We were upfront with everyone at camp. With a healthy staff, tough decisions were inevitable, and one involved a bullpen role." For now, Manaea will fill that role, likely for two cycles through the rotation, given the current schedule and off days.
Manaea's spring stats show four earned runs on seven hits and two walks over 9⅔ innings, striking out nine. His velocity has hovered in the high-80s, which Mendoza downplayed, saying, "The velocity isn't the focus here. We needed to get through spring, and we're aligning our guys as we approach the season."
Despite his bullpen assignment, Manaea remains in the Mets' plans as a starter. His presence won't affect the decision to carry another left-hander alongside Brooks Raley. Mendoza emphasized flexibility, stating, "We'll keep Sean on a schedule, but there's room to maneuver depending on game situations."
Manaea will be a key player in providing bullpen support, especially when the team needs to rest other arms. The Mets won't hesitate to use him in high-pressure situations for multiple innings.
Last season, Manaea faced challenges, missing significant time with an oblique strain and dealing with elbow issues. He ended the season with a 2-4 record, a 5.64 ERA, and a 1.22 WHIP in 60⅔ innings. He briefly moved to the bullpen last September.
This spring, Manaea has been working on mixing in a cutter and utilizing his sinker more to keep hitters guessing. While his velocity has dipped, he remains optimistic, believing it will increase once the regular season adrenaline kicks in.
"I feel good," Manaea said. "When I hit Citi Field, I expect the velocity to rise."
Manaea was instrumental during the Mets' deep playoff run in 2024, pitching a career-high 181⅔ innings with a 12-6 record, 3.47 ERA, and 184 strikeouts. Before joining the Mets, he played a swing role with the Giants, showcasing his versatility.
As the season approaches, the Mets are positioning themselves with strategic depth, and Manaea's adaptability will be a valuable asset in their pursuit of success.