In a move that could define their 2026 campaign, the New York Mets will begin the season without a six-man rotation, shifting veteran left-hander Sean Manaea to the bullpen in a piggyback role. This decision, driven by Manaea’s spring velocity concerns and a crowded rotation of healthy arms, immediately strengthens the Mets’ relief corps while raising questions about the $75 million pitcher’s future role and the team’s championship trajectory.
On March 21, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza revealed his Opening Day pitching plans, confirming that New York will deploy a five-man rotation despite having six healthy starters. Freddy Peralta will get the ball on Opening Day against the Pittsburgh Pirates, followed by David Peterson and Nolan McLean in the first three games. Clay Holmes and Kodai Senga will handle the subsequent two outings in St. Louis. The most notable development: Sean Manaea, the 34-year-old lefty in the second year of a three-year, $75 million contract, will move to the bullpen in a piggyback role to begin the season—a detail confirmed by USA TODAY Sports.
Mendoza’s decision hinges on the Mets’ current pitching health and schedule. “We were pretty honest with all of them at the beginning of camp, if everyone was healthy, we were going to have to make some tough decisions and one of them was going to be pitching in that type of role,” Mendoza said, as reported by USA TODAY Sports. “The way we see it is (Manaea’s) taking that turn right now and probably two times through the rotation because of the schedule and the off days. We don’t feel like we need a sixth starter yet.” The off days early in the season allow the Mets to carry an extra reliever without overloading the rotation.
Manaea’s spring performance has raised eyebrows. He has allowed four earned runs on seven hits and two walks across 9⅔ innings with nine strikeouts. More concerning is his velocity, which has lingered in the high-80s throughout Grapefruit League action. Mendoza acknowledged the velocity drop but downplayed its significance: “The velo’s got nothing to do here.” Manaea himself echoed confidence, stating, “When I get up to Citi Field and get some adrenaline going, I think it’ll shoot back up,” as noted by USA TODAY Sports.
The bullpen move represents a stark contrast from Manaea’s 2024 season, when he was a cornerstone of the Mets’ pitching staff. Last year, he threw a career-high 181⅔ innings, posting a 12-6 record with a 3.47 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, and 184 strikeouts. He was particularly dominant in the postseason, going 2-1 with victories over the Phillies and Dodgers during the Mets’ run to the National League Championship Series. That success followed a 2023 campaign with the San Francisco Giants where Manaea was used in a swing role, blending starts and relief appearances—experience that now becomes highly relevant.
Manaea’s 2025 season, however, was derailed by injuries. He missed the first three months with an oblique strain and then dealt with loose bodies in his elbow over the final three months. He finished with a 2-4 record, 5.64 ERA, and 1.22 WHIP in 60⅔ innings. The Mets briefly shifted him to the bullpen for two games last September, offering a preview of this year’s plan. This spring, Manaea has incorporated a cutter and more sinker to keep hitters off-balance as his velocity has dipped.
Bullpen Strategy and Flexibility
Mendoza emphasized that Manaea remains a starting pitcher in the organization’s eyes; this move is temporary and schedule-dependent. “We’re not gonna go too many days without having to pitch Sean,” Mendoza explained. “We have to keep him somehow on his schedule.” The Mets will use Manaea as a multi-inning reliever, potentially in high-leverage situations, and he’ll be available to shoulder the load when the bullpen needs rest. The piggyback role means he could pitch on the same day as a starter or in long relief, maintaining a routine similar to a starter’s.
Importantly, Manaea’s placement in the bullpen does not affect the Mets’ decision regarding a second left-handed reliever alongside Brooks Raley. That competition remains between Bryan Hudson and Richard Lovelady, independent of Manaea’s role.
What’s at Stake for the Mets
The Mets’ rotation depth is a premier strength. With Peralta, Peterson, McLean, Holmes, and Senga all healthy, New York possesses one of baseball’s most talented starting staffs. Moving Manaea to the bullpen adds a high-quality, multi-inning arm to a relief corps that already features Raley and closer Edwin Díaz. This flexibility could be a secret weapon during a grueling 162-game schedule, allowing the Mets to manage workloads and navigate early-season off days without compromising performance.
Championship aspirations, however, demand that Manaea rediscover his 2024 form. If the bullpen stint is a reset button that helps him regain velocity and command, the Mets could boast a devastating late-inning weapon. If the velocity issues persist, the $75 million investment becomes a lingering concern, and trade speculation will intensify. The move also signals that the Mets prioritize immediate roster optimization over rigid role definitions—a mindset that often separates good teams from true contenders.
Fan Reactions and Future Scenarios
Mets fans are already debating the implications. Some see the bullpen shift as a savvy way to maximize Manaea’s value without taxing his arm early in the season. Others worry it’s a demotion that could dent his confidence and signal deeper issues. Social media is buzzing with “what-if” scenarios: Could Manaea return to the rotation by May if he shows improved velocity? Might the Mets explore a trade if he excels in relief, given their rotation depth? The front office’s willingness to move a high-salary pitcher to the bullpen also hints at potential future moves—perhaps another starter could be dealt if prospects emerge or injuries strike.
Historically, successful starters shifted to relief often thrive with reduced workloads and simplified approaches. The Mets will hope Manaea follows that path, using the bullpen to rebuild his mechanics and confidence while contributing meaningfully to a team with World Series potential.
The Bottom Line
The Mets’ decision to open 2026 without a six-man rotation and to place Sean Manaea in the bullpen is a calculated risk grounded in current health, schedule quirks, and a desire to fortify the entire pitching staff. It underscores the organization’s confidence in its five starters while adding a proven arm to the relief corps. For Manaea, it’s an opportunity to reset and prove he can still be a Difference-maker—whether as a starter or reliever. For the Mets, it’s a move that could provide crucial flexibility on the path to October.
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