Sean Manaea is coming back to the Bay Area.
Late Sunday night, Jon Heyman reported that the former A’s southpaw signed a two-year, $25 million deal with the San Francisco Giants. Fans must now brace for the possibility that they could end up with Mitch Haniger and Manaea in an offseason when Aaron Judge and Carlos Rodón were available. To say nothing of other potential missed signees like shortstop Xander Bogaerts (Padres), outfielder Brandon Nimmo (Mets) and Japanese ace Kodai Senga (Mets). Shortstop Carlos Correa remains unsigned and would bolster an otherwise underwhelming offseason free agent class from the cash-rich Giants.
According to the San Francisco Chronicle’s Susan Slusser on Monday morning, the Giants remain interested in trying to retain Rodón, who is reportedly seeking a seven-year contract. Rodón is looking to strike it big after opting out of the second year of his two-year, $44 million deal and setting career highs in starts (31) and innings pitched (178).
For now, Manaea will round out the veteran-laden rotation, along with Logan Webb, Alex Wood, Alex Cobb and Anthony DeSclafani. Webb is the homegrown ace, but the other four guys reveal that Farhan Zaidi and the Giants have a type: they seek out veteran starters with solid track records who are willing to sign short-term deals. DeSclafani is on a three-year, $36 million deal, but Wood (two years, $25 million) and Cobb (two years, $20 million with $10 million 2024 club option) signed similar contracts to Manaea.
Manaea struggled last season in his reunion with former A’s manager Bob Melvin in San Diego. The 30-year-old posted career highs in ERA (4.96) in 30 games (28 starts), as he walked batters (2.8 BB/9) and gave up more home runs (1.7 HR/9) than usual. The fun-loving and easy-going Manaea became a fan favorite during his six seasons in Oakland and should fit in well with the culture of San Francisco, which has a good recent track record of getting the most out of veteran starters.
Manaea is at his best when he can control the zone and limit the walks. He relies on a sinking fastball, changeup and slider combo that keeps hitters off-balance when working. Though he doesn't have power stuff -- his fastball usually sits in the 90-92 range -- Manaea has averaged 9.1 K/9 IP since 2019.
