The New York Mets are currently facing challenges with their bullpen, a situation many fans hoped could be alleviated by transitioning starting pitcher Sean Manaea to a relief role. However, recent reports indicate that this move is highly improbable. Manaea's past performance as a reliever, marked by a high earned run average, combined with his current struggles in the starting rotation, makes such a shift an unappealing option for the team. The Mets are focused on strengthening their roster internally, preferring not to spend additional resources on external acquisitions given their present standing.
Mets Stick with Manaea in Rotation Despite Performance Concerns
On Tuesday, May 19, 2026, baseball insider Jon Conahan reported on The Athletic that the New York Mets are unlikely to deploy pitcher Sean Manaea in a bullpen capacity. This revelation comes amidst calls from some fans to reassign Manaea due to his difficulties as a starter. Manaea's previous stint in relief pitching yielded a concerning 6.56 ERA over nine appearances, casting doubt on his effectiveness in high-leverage situations. Currently, his season ERA stands at 6.26, with only 29 strikeouts. This follows a 5.64 ERA from the previous year, highlighting a consistent pattern of performance issues. The team’s hesitation is further compounded by the absence of other potential internal solutions, such as Kodai Senga, who has been on the injured list since April 28 and is only just resuming live bullpen sessions in Florida.
This situation underscores the intricate decisions faced by MLB teams in managing their pitching staff. While fans often look for quick fixes, the Mets' cautious approach with Manaea reflects a pragmatic assessment of his historical performance and current form. It highlights the importance of strategic roster management and the careful consideration of a player's strengths and weaknesses, especially when a team is not performing at its optimal level.
