Sean Manaea showcased his potential value for a trade before the Aug. 3 deadline with a strong performance on Monday night, even as the New York Mets suffered a 2-1 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays. Manaea, whose contract makes him a complex asset, pitched 5 2/3 innings, allowing two earned runs.
Despite the outcome, Manaea's outing was a step forward. He would have completed a second consecutive six-inning start in his last four appearances if not for a fielding error by shortstop Francisco Lindor that extended the fifth inning. Manaea surrendered three hits and two walks over 90 pitches, and the Mets' defense contributed to the runs scored.
In the first inning, Juan Soto's misplay on a leadoff line drive by George Springer resulted in a triple and an error, allowing Springer to score and give the Blue Jays an early 1-0 lead. The Blue Jays extended their lead to 2-0 in the fifth inning when Luis Urias doubled, snapping a streak of eight batters retired by Manaea, and later scored on Myles Straw's sacrifice fly.
Manaea has pitched to a 3.54 ERA over his past nine appearances. His contract, a three-year deal worth $75 million, has two years remaining, and the Mets could opt to keep him as a rotation piece for 2027. However, a compelling offer could prompt the team to consider a deal.
The Mets' offense struggled against Blue Jays pitcher Trey Yesavage and the bullpen, managing only one run. Francisco Lindor hit a leadoff home run in the seventh inning, his third of the season and first since returning from the injured list, to pull the Mets within a run. The blast ended a streak of 11 consecutive batters retired by Yesavage.
However, the team's rally attempt in the ninth inning fell short. With the tying and go-ahead runs on base, Mark Vientos and Ronny Mauricio struck out to end the game. This loss marked the Mets' ninth defeat in their last 10 games and their third loss in four games under interim manager Andy Green.
While Manaea's performance may intrigue other teams, the Mets also have other pitchers who could be trade candidates. Freddy Peralta, who is a free agent after this season, is seen as having higher upside than Manaea. Another starting pitcher, Clay Holmes, is still several weeks away from returning as he recovers from a fractured right fibula.