The New York Mets beat the Chicago Cubs 6-2 on Sunday, improving their overall record 26-15. Despite some recent inconsistencies, New York still sits at the top of the Eastern League, leading 1.5 games in the Philadelphia Phillies.

Despite the significant damage done by key players, New York's strong start is still on the way. Before the 2025 MLB season began, the Mets lost starting pitcher Sean Manaea and tilted injured. The 6-foot-5 lefties last season scored 12-6 and performed well in 181.2 innings of 3.47 ERA.

Prior to spring training, Manaea signed for three years, a $75 million extension, signed with the Mets, and is expected to be on the frontline rotation of their rotation.

On Friday, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza announced that Manaea “feels good” and has made great strides in injury recovery (via SNY). The lefty had already thrown out from 120 feet when he stayed on the 60-day injury list.

In this news, the Mets have a decision. Their 2.88 team era is the best in baseball, but as Manaea and other major starters (Paul Blackburn, Frankie Montas) approached a return, a consolidation deal may be required.

In a recent article, Bleacher reported Kerry Miller predicts that New York could trade right-handed pitcher Griffin Canning once Manaea and others return.

"As a group of upcoming free agents, cans are certainly the lowest hanging fruit," Miller wrote. "He has been outstanding so far, but he has scored 4.78 ERAs in the Angels over the past six seasons. Once Manaea or Montas comes back, he will likely encounter the trade neighborhood."

Griffin Canning's fifth strikeout came with dirty moves 😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/59vbuqgxqg

-MLB (@MLB) May 11, 2025

Canning is an important part of New York's success this season. He was 5-1 in seven games and had the fifth best era in the National League (2.36). While trading this level of production will be the head grab for some, Canning is a free agent in 2026 and has performed significantly better than his professional numbers.

In recent years, even when selling rents started, it has received considerable trade returns, which has increased the possibility that New York will open to avoid starting players.

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