A new MLB rumor suggests Sean Manaea may have passed on a better offer in free agency to return to the New York Mets. For most Mets fans, the organization signing Sean Manaea last offseason was met with shoulder shrugs and little interest.

Sean Manaea was taken by the New York Mets' family feeling, just like Juan Soto. Manaea, who turns 33 on Feb. 1, had signed two-year deals in each of the previous two offseasons, first a $25 million agreement with San Francisco and then a $28 million deal with the Mets.

The Mets reintroduced the popular left-hander Monday afternoon in a Zoom conference, officially announcing his three-year, $75 million contract.

As Sean Manaea ascended to become the Mets' ace, with the team's coaches providing support, the union proved to be an ideal symbiotic relationship.

Sean Manaea was a free agent after the 2024 season, but by the sound of his voice on Monday, he didn’t want to play for anyone but the Mets, who signed him to a three-year, $75 million deal last month.

Sean Manaea’s three-year, $75 million deal was a significant part of what’s been a busy Mets offseason so far — and he hopes it’s not done.

During the offseason, Manaea has worked out with Pete Alonso in Tampa. The two are close friends. Predictably, Manaea said he “very much” hopes the Mets and Alonso can work out a deal. “Whatever happens with Pete, I’m always going to support him,” Manaea said, “but I would definitely love to have him back on the Mets and be our first baseman.”

Manaea has always thrown a changeup, but after he added a sweeper in the middle of 2023 while with the San Francisco Giants, he began to rely on the pitch more heavily at the start of 2024. The changeup took a back seat.

The New York Mets have been busy this winter, and one of their most notable signings was bringing back starting

On Friday, the Mets added another trusted high-leverage relief pitcher when they agreed to terms with former Atlanta Brave rival A.J. Minter. However, this was not the original plan the Mets had to improve their bullpen. It worked out pretty well in the end, but another deal was in the works before falling through in the Winter Meetings.

The 31-year-old Minter has spent his entire eight-year major league career with the NL East rival Atlanta Braves.

The New York Mets could emerge as a sleeper team to trade for San Diego Padres ace Dylan Cease this offseason.