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.

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.

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

Sean Manaea was re-introduced as a Met on Monday afternoon, fresh off of signing a new three-year, $75 million deal that will keep him in Queens through the 2027 season.

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.”

Sean Manaea discusses his decision to re-sign with the Mets, the free agency process and more. New York Mets; Sean Manaea; offseason; transactions; press conference

But quietly, the Mets brought back left-hander Sean Manaea, which could go a long way towards shoring up the pitching staff. The 33-year-old Manaea had a fantastic season in New York, learning a new arm slot and becoming the most reliable starter in the Mets' rotation.

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. The left-hander has already been teammates in San Diego with newly signed Met Juan Soto and he’s been working out at a gym in Tampa alongside Pete Alonso,