Unleash or Overlook? The Sean Manaea Decision You Can’t Afford to Miss!

Who is this left-handed pitcher hailing from San Francisco? Before joining the Giants, he made his mark in the majors in 2016 with Oakland, followed by a stint with the Padres.

But is he any good?

Across 1,000 major league innings, he’s maintained a 4.10 ERA—not quite superstar status, but certainly a reliable pitcher. However, that’s not the full story. Despite eight years in MLB, he’s still evolving. After a transformative off-season at Driveline, he returned in 2023 with increased velocity, marking a career-high strikeout rate. Despite some role uncertainty with the Giants, he finished the season strong with four starts and a 2.25 ERA.

In 2023, he threw 117 innings with a 4.44 ERA. While not exceptional, there’s a potential spark worth exploring, as evidenced by his impressive pitch plot in his final outing against the Padres.

For those seeking brevity: 10 Starts, 117.2 IP, 104 H, 42 BB, 128 SO, 4.44 ERA, 95 ERA+

Now, why would he be a good fit for the 2024 Red Sox? With a track record of reliability and an emphasis on strike-throwing, he could bring balance to the rotation. Plus, he has experience working with Andrew Bailey, who prioritizes limiting walks and competing in the strike zone.

On the flip side, why might he not be a good fit? His history of pitching in pitcher-friendly parks might pose challenges on the road, and he struggles against right-handed hitters.

And what’s the cost?

After opting out of his deal, he was set to make $12.5 million in 2024. While this aligns with the market rate for older starting pitchers, his usage in 2023 suggests he may be seeking a guaranteed chance to start. A reasonable estimate for his next deal might be two years, $24-26 million, perhaps with an opt-out after the first year.

Yearning for a highlight?

Watch him in action against the Red Sox, showcasing his ability to make batters miss.

The ultimate question: Smash or pass?

It’s tempting to be swayed by his strong finish in 2023. There’s room for improvement, but the red flags are waving. Without a standout skill, the prospect of him struggling outside a pitcher-friendly ballpark is a concern. For now, it’s a pass.