In a surprising twist this spring training, New York Mets pitcher Sean Manaea has unveiled a revamped changeup, crediting legendary former Mets ace Johan Santana for the transformation. Manaea, who signed a three-year, $75 million deal with the Mets this offseason, showcased the pitch during a recent outing against the Houston Astros in Port St. Lucie. The left-hander’s new weapon—a changeup with sharper movement and better deception—left batters swinging at air, hinting at a potential breakout season.
Santana, a two-time Cy Young winner known for his devastating changeup, has been working with Manaea informally. The duo connected through mutual contacts, and Santana’s insights have clearly paid off. “Johan showed me a grip tweak and a mentality shift,” Manaea said post-game. “It’s about confidence and disguise.” Mets pitching coach Jeremy Hefner praised the collaboration, noting the pitch could elevate Manaea’s already solid arsenal, which includes a fastball and slider.
Fans are buzzing about the implications for the Mets’ rotation, especially with early injuries plaguing the team. If Manaea’s new pitch proves consistent, it could stabilize a unit aiming to support stars like Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor in a playoff push. Spring training just got a lot more interesting in Queens.
