Mets Announce Starting Rotation; Sean Manaea Shifts to Bullpen Role

In an unexpected turn of events, the New York Mets have decided against utilizing a six-man rotation as they prepare for the upcoming season. Manager Carlos Mendoza disclosed this decision on Saturday, just before the final day of Grapefruit League action, confirming that Sean Manaea will begin the season in a bullpen role.

Mendoza laid out the pitching plans for the season opener, naming Freddy Peralta as the starter for Opening Day, with David Peterson and Nolan McLean following in the next two games against the Pirates. Clay Holmes and Kodai Senga will take the mound for the subsequent two games against the Cardinals in St. Louis. “We were pretty honest with all of them at the beginning of camp, if everyone was healthy, we were going to have to make some tough decisions,” Mendoza explained. “The way we see it is (Manaea’s) taking that turn right now and probably two times through the rotation because of the schedule and the off days. We don’t feel like we need a sixth starter yet.”

Manaea’s spring training performance has been rocky, as he allowed four earned runs on seven hits and two walks across 9⅔ innings, striking out nine batters. The 34-year-old left-hander, who is in the second year of a three-year, $75 million contract, has seen his velocity linger in the high-80s throughout the spring. “The velo’s got nothing to do here,” Mendoza stated. “Not that we had anything in mind, we just needed to get through spring training, and we still got to get through the next two, three days, but we’re getting to a point where we’re lining up guys.”

Despite the shift to the bullpen, the Mets still view Manaea as a potential starting pitcher. His role will not affect the decision on carrying a second left-hander alongside Brooks Raley, whether it be Bryan Hudson or Richard Lovelady. Mendoza indicated that while there won’t be a set day for Manaea to pitch, they must remain aware of his preparation, given that he remains a candidate for starting duties later in the season. “Depending on where you are in the game, who’s available that day in the bullpen, how much you use those guys. There’s some flexibility there, but we’re not gonna go too many days without having to pitch Sean. We have to keep him somehow on his schedule,” he added.

Manaea will be available to help shoulder the load on days when the bullpen needs rest and is expected to be utilized in high-leverage situations across multiple innings. Last season, he missed the first three months due to an oblique strain and dealt with loose bodies in his elbow for the latter part of the year. Despite a challenging comeback, he finished with a 2-4 record, a 5.64 ERA, and a 1.22 WHIP over 60⅔ innings.

This spring, the left-hander has incorporated a cutter and increased his use of the sinker to keep opposing hitters off-balance. Although his velocity has dipped, Manaea remains optimistic, stating, “It’s low but at the end of day, I feel good. I’m not concerned about it whatsoever. When I get up to Citi Field and get some adrenaline going, I think it’ll shoot back up.”

Manaea was a key contributor during the Mets’ deep postseason run in 2024, posting a career-high 181⅔ innings with a 12-6 record, a 3.47 ERA, and 184 strikeouts. He secured two crucial victories against the Phillies and Dodgers on the Mets’ path to the National League Championship Series. Before his time with the Mets, Manaea had served in a swing role during his one season with the Giants.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.