Alek Manoah‘s Future: Will the Blue Jays Give Him Another Chance?
The baseball world watched with interest last Friday as the Atlanta Braves opted not to offer a contract to pitcher Alek Manoah. This leaves the former Cy Young Award finalist available, and naturally, speculation immediately turned to his potential return to the Toronto Blue Jays. But what does Manoah’s future really hold,and what factors will influence whether Toronto brings him back into the fold?
A Rocky Road to Recovery
Manoah’s recent career has been anything but smooth. Once considered a cornerstone of the Blue Jays’ pitching staff, a combination of injuries, control issues, and reported attitude concerns led to a significant downturn. In late September, Toronto surprisingly designated him for assignment to clear space on their 40-man roster – a clear signal of diminished confidence.
Though, dismissing Manoah entirely feels premature. He’s still only 27 years old and is recovering from Tommy john surgery. His performance at the triple-A level in Buffalo during 2025 offers a glimmer of hope.
Manoah’s 2025 Triple-A Stats: A Positive Sign?
During seven starts with the Buffalo Bisons, Manoah demonstrated encouraging progress:
* Record: A solid win-loss record (specifics not publicly available in source).
* ERA: A respectable 2.97 earned run average.
* Strikeouts: 30 batters retired via strikeout.
* Walks: 18 bases on balls allowed.
* Innings Pitched: 33.1 innings.
* Batting Average Against: A low .218, indicating he effectively limited opposing hitters.
These numbers suggest Manoah is regaining form, but the question remains: is it enough for the Blue Jays to overlook past issues?
The blue Jays’ roster Situation
Currently, Toronto has 38 players on their 40-man roster, providing them with the versatility to sign Manoah to a Major League contract. The team needs to assess whether adding him is the best use of a roster spot, especially considering their existing pitching depth.
the decision isn’t solely about roster space, though. It’s about risk versus reward.
Past Concerns: Attitude and Accountability
perhaps the biggest hurdle for manoah is addressing concerns about his behavior.in 2023, he notably failed to report to the minor leagues after being sent down – a move that raised questions about his professionalism and commitment.
For the Blue Jays to seriously consider a reunion, they’ll need assurances that these issues are resolved. A mature and accountable Manoah is crucial.
A Look Back: Manoah’s Early Success
It’s easy to forget how dominant Manoah once was.Drafted in 2019, he quickly rose through the ranks, reaching the majors in 2021. That year, he posted an notable 9-2 record with a 3.22 ERA, finishing eighth in American League rookie of the Year voting.
His 2022 season was even better: a 16-7 record, a stellar 2.24 ERA, and 180 strikeouts in 196.2 innings. He appeared poised to become a true ace.
However, injuries and control problems derailed his momentum, leading to the current uncertainty.
What’s Next for Manoah?
Ultimately, the decision rests on a mutual desire. Does Manoah genuinely want to return to Toronto and prove himself? And do the Blue Jays beleive he’s capable of recapturing his former glory?
Several factors will influence the outcome:
* Manoah’s continued progress: further strong performances in the minors or winter leagues will bolster his case.
* Blue Jays’ pitching needs: Any injuries or underperformance within the current staff could create an possibility.
* A frank conversation: A direct and honest discussion between Manoah and the Blue Jays’ front office is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alek Manoah
1. Is Alek Manoah still a free agent?
Yes, as of November 23, 2025, Alek Manoah is a free agent after the Atlanta Braves did
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