Mets Unconcerned Over Manaea's Lower Fastball Velocity

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza says the team is not worried about the left-hander's dip in velocity during spring training.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 11:53pm

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New York Mets pitcher Sean Manaea has seen a noticeable drop in his fastball velocity during his last two Grapefruit League starts, averaging just 88.8 mph compared to 91.7 mph last season. However, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza says the team is not concerned as long as Manaea continues to report feeling healthy. Mendoza believes it may take some time for Manaea to regain his velocity as he works on his mechanics and arm slot following an injury-plagued 2025 season.

Why it matters

Manaea's velocity dip is an important storyline to monitor as the Mets prepare for the upcoming season. The left-hander is expected to be a key part of their starting rotation, so maintaining his stuff will be crucial to his and the team's success.

The details

In his latest spring training outing, Manaea allowed three earned runs on six hits over 2 2/3 innings against the Cardinals. He struck out four and walked one. The Mets are not overly concerned, however, as Manaea says he feels healthy and Mendoza believes the velocity will return with more reps. Mendoza noted that Manaea went through "a lot" last year while rehabbing an oblique injury and is still working to find his mechanics and arm slot.

  • On March 12, 2026, Manaea had his second straight Grapefruit League start with notably lower fastball velocity.
  • Last season, Manaea averaged 91.7 mph with his four-seam fastball.

The players

Sean Manaea

A left-handed pitcher for the New York Mets who is coming off an injury-plagued 2025 season.

Carlos Mendoza

The manager of the New York Mets.

Clay Holmes

A right-handed pitcher for the New York Mets who will forgo the remainder of the World Baseball Classic to prepare for the Mets' season.

Kodai Senga

A pitcher for the New York Mets who will piggyback with Clay Holmes on Friday.

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What they’re saying

“I feel healthy, I feel good.”

— Sean Manaea (New York Post)

“I know it's going to be a topic here, but I am not concerned as long as he keeps telling us he's healthy. And that is what he keeps telling us, that he feels great.”

— Carlos Mendoza, Manager (New York Post)

“He went through a lot last year and now finding the mechanics, the arm slot, there's a lot going on. But I thought overall he got better in the second and third inning. It's going to come down to him feeling good, and it might take a few weeks, it might take a month, who knows?”

— Carlos Mendoza, Manager (New York Post)

What’s next

Clay Holmes will forgo the remainder of the World Baseball Classic to prepare for the Mets' season. He will piggyback Kodai Senga on Friday.

The takeaway

While Manaea's velocity dip is worth monitoring, the Mets appear unconcerned as long as he continues to report feeling healthy. The team believes the velocity will return as Manaea works to regain his mechanics and arm slot following last season's injury issues.