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MLB Rumors: A's Made 'Big' Contract Offer to Sean Manaea Before Luis Severino Deal

Paul KasabianFeatured Columnist IIDecember 5, 2024

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 20:  Sean Manaea #59 of the New York Mets reacts after giving up a walk during Game Six of the National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on October 20, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Harry How/Getty Images

The Athletics made a big offer to starting pitcher Sean Manaea before reaching an agreement with Luis Severino on a three-year, $67 million deal, per Jon Heyman of the New York Post.

Jon Heyman @JonHeyman

Before agreeing to the Severino deal, the A's made a big offer to Sean Manaea in hopes of bringing him back to his first MLB team

The 32-year-old Manaea, a nine-year MLB veteran, played his first six seasons with the A's. Last season, the left-hander went 12-6 with a 3.47 ERA and 184 strikeouts over 181.2 innings (32 starts) with the New York Mets.

Severino's contract is the largest handed out in Athletics' history and the biggest season the team signed third baseman Eric Chavez to a $66 million contract in 2005.

The right-hander enjoyed a fantastic comeback attempt after a host of injuries largely curtailed his previous five seasons, to the point where he made only 45 appearances during that time. Severino also struggled for the New York Yankees in 2023, posting a 6.65 ERA in 19 games.

But he bounced back nicely after signing a one-year deal with the Mets, going 11-7 with a 3.91 ERA (1.24 WHIP) and 161 strikeouts in 182 innings.

Manaea posted a better year than Severino, so one can surmise that he could be in line for a better deal.

Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report predicted that Manaea will get a five-year, $90 million contract. He also guessed that the Baltimore Orioles will ink the left-hander.

Chances are that contract won't be coming from the notoriously low-spending Athletics, who finished last in MLB's payroll list last year.

The A's also perhaps moved on from Manaea to get Severino, who now serves as the staff ace.

Manaea is one of numerous available quality free agent pitchers out there, alongside Corbin Burnes, Jack Flaherty and Max Fried. Japanese star Roki Sasaki will also be made available in the international signing period.