Sean Manaea landing spots: 3 likely suitors for ace lefty after reportedly declining $13,500,000 player option

Left-handed starting pitcher Sean Manaea played a huge part for the New York Mets in their run to the playoffs this year, which ended after bowing out to the Los Angeles Dodgers in six games. However, as per MLB.com's Anthony DiComo, Manaea has decided to opt out of the $13.5 million player option, and he will now be heading for free agency in the offseason.

Although Sean Manaea will not be rated among the cream of the available free agents for 2025, he will still be on the radar for a number of teams. We take look at three MLB teams that could be most interested in acquiring his services.

3 Potential Landing Spots for Sean Manaea

#1. Los Angeles Angels

Los Angeles Angels - Source: Imagn

The Los Angeles Angels will certainly need to add some starting pitching in the off season. Tyler Anderson was an All-Star last season and José Soriano also had a strong year but Griffin Canning has been traded to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for slugger Jorge Soler.

Therefore, the Angels would need to add a top of the rotation starter and Sean Manaea could be good pick for team looking to continue rebuilding. Their owner Arte Moreno has indicated that the team would not exceed the luxury tax again next year, but Manaea should be a target within their range.

#2. San Francisco Giants

San Francisco Giants - Source: Imagn

The San Francisco Giants began the 2024 campaign with high hopes, but they eventually ended with an 80-82 record, largely due to a lack of depth in their starting rotation. Their ace Logan Webb produced another dominant season, while Blake Snell had an excellent second half of the year despite making just 20 starts.

Meanwhile, Blake Snell has already opted for free agency, so the Giants desperately need a top-end starter who preferably throws from the left side of the rubber. Sean Manaea therefore seems a solid fit for the team, and they should have the finances to tie him to a fairly long-term deal.

#3. New York Mets

New York Mets - Source: Imagn

Sean Manaea joined the New York Mets at the start of the 2024 season on a two-year, $28 million contract, with a player option in between. Manaea posted a 12-6 record with 181.2 innings and a 3.47 ERA in 32 starts during the regular season, setting personal bests in each of those categories over a single season.

The Mets should still be quite interested in bringing Sean Manaea back to the ballclub next year, despite letting him walk off to free agency. He was the best pitcher in the Mets starting rotation this year, and they would want to carry on the momentum after a highly encouraging season.