Mets add starting pitcher Manaea with two year agreement

*Photo from the San Francisco Chronicle*

   Another pitcher is headed to Queens. LHP Sean Manaea has signed a two year, $28 million contract with the New York Mets, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network. The deal has been confirmed by the team.

   The lefty represents another pitching addition by the Mets, who have already brought aboard Jorge Lopez, Adrian Houser, Luis Severino, and Michael Tonkin among others. After a few strong seasons in Oakland with the Athletics, Manaea has struggled immensely in his last two stops and represents as a reclamation project for the Mets.

   Last season, Manaea signed a two year deal with the San Francisco Giants and opted out at the end of the year to return to free agency. He posted a 4.44 ERA, 3.90 FIP, and 1.241 WHIP, averaging 9.8 strikeouts per 9 innings over 117 2/3 innings, 10 starts, and 27 relief appearances.

   Although he struggled at the start of the season with the Giants, Manaea was moved to the bullpen and started working on a sweeper. Hitters swung and missed at the pitch 35.1 percent of the time and had a .140/.161/.163 slash line against it.

   Manaea has suited up for the Athletics, Giants, and San Diego Padres over 8 seasons, debuting in 2016. He has a 4.10 ERA, 1.223 WHIP, and 4.05 FIP to his name, averaging 2.4 walks per 9 and 8.3 strikeouts per 9 over 1,002 2/3 innings, 166 starts, and 30 relief appearances. He's allowed 13 runs in 3 appearances and 7 2/3 innings in the playoffs.

   The contract has an opt out after the first year, similar to the deal he signed with the Giants last offseason. The Mets were already over the highest luxury tax threshold prior to the Manaea signing, which is set at $297 million.

   As things stand, the Mets rotation has Kodai Senga, Jose Quintana, Luis Severino, and Joey Lucchesi. Manaea, David Peterson, and Adrian Houser are also in the mix for a rotation spot.