It hasn't been an easy ride for Mets left-hander Sean Manaea this season, but the team is pulling out all the stops to get their veteran arm back on track.
After a renaissance campaign in his first year with Queens just two seasons ago, Manaea has struggled to find his footing in 2026. Transitioned from starter to reliever, the southpaw owns a 6.85 ERA over 22.1 innings across eight appearances. While he's punched out 24 batters, the numbers tell a tougher story: a .312 batting average against and a 1.75 WHIP—both would be career worsts.
His latest rough outing came Wednesday against the Colorado Rockies, when Manaea couldn't close out the ninth inning with a 10-4 lead. He allowed a run on three hits and a hit batter before being pulled with the bases loaded and only one out recorded. It was his shortest appearance of the season, coming on the heels of a disastrous 2.2-inning outing against the Washington Nationals, where he surrendered six earned runs on seven hits, two walks, and another hit batter. Over his last three relief appearances, Manaea has hit a batter in each one.
Manager Carlos Mendoza addressed the struggles after Wednesday's game, acknowledging the challenge for the former ace.
"It's been a tough stretch for Sean," Mendoza said. "We understand that. He's too good of a pitcher and he's very important for us. We have to continue to support him, we have to continue to work with him, especially in moments like this."
The conversation continued Thursday before the series finale, with Mendoza detailing the team's approach to unlocking Manaea's full potential.
"A combination of a lot of things," the skipper said. "Pitching coaches are really digging in here, watching film, talking to Sean, getting some feedback from him. We need him."
For a team that's relied on Manaea's leadership and craftiness on the mound, getting him back to form isn't just a priority—it's essential. Whether it's mechanical adjustments or a mental reset, the Mets are committed to finding the solution. And for fans watching his every pitch, there's hope that the lefty who once dazzled in Queens can rediscover his groove.