LOS ANGELES – Sean Manaea exhaled deeply as he prepared to face the media for what could be his final time as a Met. His eyes were already red and teary after the players hugged and exchanged words of encouragement in the clubhouse.

“I’m just super proud of everything we’ve accomplished, everyone here,” Manaea said, her voice shaking with emotion. “No one else I would do it with. These guys have been training all year long and the sport is just what it is.”

Over the next few days, Manaea's focus will shift from the daily grind of an MLB season to where he'll be playing next year. Last winter, he signed a two-year, $28 million contract with the Mets. But the contract includes a player option that he will likely exercise after the season he has had.

What does Manaea think about his future with the Mets?

“I don't really have it under control at the moment and I'm not even thinking about it. But yes, I love my time here. I love New York. I love the organization and all the people here, so I would definitely like to come back.”

BUY METS TICKETS: STUBHUB, LIVING SEATS, TICKETMASTER

The Mets' season ended in Game 6 of the National League Wild Card Series against the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Manaea started the game and allowed five runs before being retired after just two innings, his shortest outing of the season.

Manaea's performance on Friday does not reflect his season with the Mets. After posting a 3.74 ERA with a 1.25 WHIP and 101 strikeouts in his first 20 starts, Manaea reinvented himself.

Manaea was sitting in the dugout when Chris Sale played against the Mets in August and decided he wanted to change his arm position to look more like the former Triple Crown winner. This began an 11-game stretch in which Manaea posted a 2.63 ERA with a 0.76 WHIP and 82 strikeouts.

When asked how Manaea performed in this season of his nine-year career, Manaea said, “Definitely the best of my career.”

“I am very proud of the work I have been able to do with everyone here, on and off the field,” he added. “And I’m just super proud of the year as a whole.”