Mets' Sean Manaea Seeks Redemption in 2026 Season

Veteran pitcher looks to bounce back after disappointing 2025 campaign

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Sean Manaea, a reliable major league pitcher for many years, is hoping to rebound in the 2026 season after a down year with the New York Mets in 2025. MLB.com's Brent Maguire has called Manaea the "X-factor" for the Mets, who have a formidable 1-2 punch in Freddy Peralta and Nolan McLean at the top of their rotation.

Why it matters

Manaea's performance will be crucial for the Mets as they look to contend in the NL East. After a disappointing 2025 season, he'll need to rediscover the form that made him a reliable starter for much of his career.

The details

Manaea, a left-hander, has been a steady presence in MLB rotations for several seasons. However, his 2025 campaign with the Mets did not live up to expectations, leading the team and fans to wonder if he can still be an impactful pitcher at this stage of his career.

  • Manaea is looking to bounce back in the 2026 MLB season.

The players

Sean Manaea

A veteran left-handed pitcher who is seeking redemption with the New York Mets in the 2026 season after a disappointing 2025 campaign.

Freddy Peralta

A top starting pitcher for the New York Mets, forming a formidable 1-2 punch with Nolan McLean atop the team's rotation.

Nolan McLean

A top starting pitcher for the New York Mets, forming a formidable 1-2 punch with Freddy Peralta atop the team's rotation.

Brent Maguire

An MLB.com reporter who has called Sean Manaea the "X-factor" for the New York Mets in the 2026 season.

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What they’re saying

“Between Freddy Peralta and Nolan McLean, the Mets have a formidable 1-2 punch”

— Brent Maguire, MLB.com reporter (MLB.com)

The takeaway

Manaea's bounce-back performance in 2026 will be crucial for the Mets as they look to contend in the NL East. If he can rediscover his past form, he could provide a major boost to the team's pitching staff and playoff aspirations.