Alek Manoah’s Waiver Surprise
The former ace of the Toronto Blue Jays finds himself in an unexpected position as the team makes crucial decisions in the final stretch of the season. After a disappointing year, Alek Manoah has been designated for assignment (DFA), leaving many to wonder if any team will take a chance on the once-promising pitcher.
Blue Jays Find Their Groove
On Thursday, the Blue Jays halted a two-game skid with a victory over the Boston Red Sox, reclaiming their spot atop the AL East standings thanks to a tiebreaker advantage over the New York Yankees. With only three regular-season games left, the team is poised for a potential division title, which would mark their first in a decade. However, achieving this goal will require a significant offensive boost, especially against a formidable Tampa Bay Rays squad capable of racking up runs quickly.
The Case of Anthony Santander
In their quest for late-season momentum, Toronto had hoped to rely on Anthony Santander, their high-profile free-agent acquisition from the offseason. Unfortunately, Santander’s first year with the team has been marred by underwhelming performance and a left shoulder injury that placed him on the long-term injured list. His recent activation on September 23 coincided with the shocking news of Manoah’s DFA, a move that has sent ripples through the league.
Manoah’s Surprising Fall from Grace
The situation surrounding Manoah, a 27-year-old who finished third in AL Cy Young voting last season, is particularly striking. Following Tommy John surgery, he was activated from the 60-day injured list on September 11 and subsequently optioned to Triple-A Buffalo. Despite previous expectations that he could play a role in the Blue Jays’ plans, being DFA’d indicates a significant shift.
Nick Deeds of MLB Trade Rumors has labeled Manoah as one of the most intriguing waiver options available, noting his age and affordability. “Manoah is still just 27 years old and will hardly break the bank, making him one of the more intriguing late-season waiver possibilities in recent memory,” he observed.
Uncertainty Surrounding Claims
The question remains: will any team take the plunge and claim Manoah? While his talent is undeniable, the circumstances that led to his DFA raise concerns. The relationship between Manoah and the Blue Jays has been turbulent; he expressed dissatisfaction with his demotion earlier in the year, even stating he would not pitch again for the remainder of the season. Disputes over his injury issues further complicated matters, and although last year’s drama seemed to fade, a lingering elbow injury after just five starts this season has not helped his cause.
In the minor leagues this year, Manoah posted a respectable 3.96 ERA across ten starts, but the Blue Jays opted not to include him in their plans for the season’s climax or the playoffs. The combination of a lengthy layoff and past controversies may deter some teams from making a claim.
However, as Deeds pointed out, players of Manoah’s caliber rarely find themselves on waivers at this stage in their careers. Given this unique situation, it remains likely that he will don a new uniform starting in 2026, as teams weigh the risks and rewards of bringing in a pitcher with his potential.
