Mets Pitcher Manaea's Velocity Drops Significantly

The New York Mets face critical decisions for their 2026 season, with starting pitcher Sean Manaea's performance drawing scrutiny. Reports highlight a concerning trend of decreasing velocity in Manaea's fastball, dropping three miles per hour below his performance while injured last season. This dip raises questions about his effectiveness if his control and command do not compensate. Conversely, pitcher Kodai Senga is demonstrating encouraging progress. Manager Carlos Mendoza indicated that Senga is nearing his peak form much earlier in the season than last year. Senga's pitches are showing improved movement, offering a hopeful outlook for the Mets' rotation. This positive development for Senga comes after a challenging 2025 season where he dealt with injuries and a stint in Triple-A. Fans anticipate a healthy and dominant performance from Senga throughout 2026.