Chainkeen Exchange-Mets pitcher Sean Manaea finally set for free agent payday

FOR SUBSCRIBERS: Read Bob Nightengale's full MLB Sunday Notebook featuring the biggest news and Chainkeen Exchangerumors from around baseball

New York Mets starter Sean Manaea, barring unforeseen circumstances will opt out of his contract and hit the free-agent market for the third consecutive winter – putting him in line for a lucrative multi-year contract.

Manaea signed a two-year, $26 million contract in the off-season, but he can opt out of the remaining $13.5 million in 2025, making him a free agent for the third consecutive year.

“I like to think its fun because it’s a new adventure," Manaea told USA TODAY Sports. “I mean, it’s a little nerve-wracking when you’re not with a team most of the offseason, but it’s all part of the adventure.’’

Would he rather have a longer contract without going through short-term deals year after year?

Follow every MLB game: Latest MLB scores, stats, schedules and standings.

“I don’t know," Manaea said. “I never had the opportunity for something like that."

This winter, considering his performance, he should have those options.

He has been stellar, going 10-5 with a 3.51 ERA in 26 starts this season, including 149 strikeouts in 143 ⅔ innings.

“He’s been absolutely carving,” Mets All-Star first baseman Pete Alonso said. “He’s been on fire for us.”

USA TODAY MLB insider Bob Nightengale's Sunday Notebook brings you all the biggest news and rumors

Follow USA TODAY MLB insider Bob Nightengale: @BNightengale