Alek Manoah’s Unexpected DFA Marks the End of a Tumultuous Journey
A once-promising pitcher, Alek Manoah has experienced a dramatic fall from grace, culminating in his recent designation for assignment by the Toronto Blue Jays. Once viewed as a cornerstone of the franchise alongside stars like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette, Manoah’s journey has taken a sharp turn, leaving fans and analysts alike pondering the events that led to this unexpected decision.
The Rise and Fall of a Pitching Prodigy
In the seasons of 2021 and 2022, Manoah was a formidable presence on the mound, boasting an impressive 2.60 ERA over 308 innings. His performance positioned him among the top ten pitchers in the American League, earning him recognition as a key figure in the Blue Jays’ bright future. However, the narrative surrounding Manoah shifted dramatically due to his infamous feud with Gerrit Cole of the New York Yankees.
The saga began during a segment on Serge Ibaka’s YouTube show, “How Hungry Are You?” where Manoah was asked to identify the “worst cheater in baseball history.” His blunt answer, pointing to Cole, reignited discussions about the sticky substances controversy that had plagued the sport. Manoah’s remarks fed into the narratives circulating among fans and media, marking him as a polarizing figure.
Confrontation and Consequences
As the Blue Jays prepared to face the Yankees in April 2023, reporters seized the opportunity to question Manoah about his earlier comments. He remained unapologetic, stating, “I said what I said,” despite entering that series with a troubling 6.98 ERA. Cole, on the other hand, took a measured approach, asserting that his focus remained on his team and the motivation within the clubhouse.
Following the exchange, Manoah’s performance continued to decline. In 111.2 innings, he posted a 5.40 ERA, indicating a stark downturn from his previous successes. While he showed minor improvement early in 2024, with a 3.70 ERA across 24.1 innings, injury soon struck. In May, he suffered a UCL tear, a setback that ultimately required Tommy John surgery in June, sidelining him for an extended period.
The DFA and Its Implications
The Blue Jays’ decision to designate Manoah for assignment has taken many by surprise. At just 27 years old and with a contract extending until 2028, Manoah’s future appeared secure. However, his struggles have been evident in the minors this year, where he logged 38.2 innings across various levels with a collective 3.96 ERA. Notably, his fastball velocity has dipped, averaging 91 mph—down from his pre-surgery average of 93 mph.
As the Blue Jays navigate their season with the New York Yankees hot on their heels, the implications of Manoah’s DFA are significant. It raises questions about the team’s direction and the potential loss of a once-promising talent. While the organization focuses on immediate performance, the fallout from Manoah’s tumultuous journey serves as a cautionary tale about the pressures of professional sports and the fine line athletes walk between success and failure.
