Mets Ace Manaea Shines in Victory Over Orioles

In a standout performance, Mets pitcher Sean Manaea demonstrated his value during a 4-3 victory against the Baltimore Orioles at Citi Field. With a potential $13.5 million contract option for 2025 looming, Manaea's recent outings suggest he is worth significantly more. On Wednesday, he nearly achieved a perfect game, showcasing his skills with a dominant display that limited the Orioles, one of the league's top-hitting teams, to just three hits and nine strikeouts over seven innings. The Mets' win was sealed by a dramatic walk-off home run from Jesse Winker in the ninth inning, adding to the excitement of the game. As the Mets look ahead to the postseason, Manaea has emerged as a strong candidate for the Game 1 starter, should the team advance. While the focus remains on homegrown star Pete Alonso and other potential free agents, Manaea's performance has not gone unnoticed. In addition to Manaea, the Mets are considering their options for next season, including the potential return of Luis Severino and the future of José Quintana, who appears to be slowing down. The Mets' pitching strategy will be crucial as they navigate the offseason and aim to strengthen their roster. Manaea expressed his affection for New York, stating, "I love everything about it — city, people, teammates, the organization." After overcoming a late-college hip injury, he seems to have found a promising home with the Mets, further solidifying his place in the team's future.