The New York Mets are gearing up for another thrilling season following their 2024 NLCS appearance. The team added superstar Juan Soto and kept power hitter Pete Alonso, creating an exciting trio alongside shortstop Francisco Lindor.
With all three players in good health, the Mets are primed to have a strong start to the regular season. Their opener is on March 27, when they begin a three-game series on the road against the Houston Astros.
However, the pitching situation is more uncertain. Clay Holmes, who led the league with 13 blown saves last season, is set to be their Opening Day starter. Meanwhile, Kodai Senga will headline the rotation after pitching just 5.1 innings in 2024 due to injury.
Additionally, left-handed pitcher Sean Manaea (oblique) won’t be ready for the start of the season, which is a setback given his solid performance last year. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza provided a positive update on Wednesday, telling SNY that Manaea is currently throwing up to 90 feet.
Manaea is expected to return by mid-to-late April, according to SNY. The 33-year-old is slated to be the No. 2 starter behind Senga, having gone 12-6 with a 3.47 ERA and 1.08 WHIP in 32 appearances last season.
Manaea spent his first six seasons with the Athletics before being traded to the San Diego Padres in 2022. He then signed a two-year deal with the San Francisco Giants in December 2022 but opted out and signed with the Mets in January 2024. After opting out of that contract last November, Manaea secured a three-year, $75 million deal with New York in December.
