Braves Take a Chance on Alek Manoah to Reignite Past Success
The Atlanta Braves are making a bold move by acquiring a once-promising talent, Alek Manoah, who was recently released by the Toronto Blue Jays. Just a few seasons ago, Manoah was regarded as one of the brightest young pitchers in the league, having earned a spot as a Cy Young finalist in 2022. On Friday, the Braves claimed him off waivers, marking a fresh start for a player in search of redemption.
The Downward Spiral
Manoah’s journey took a sharp turn when the Blue Jays designated him for assignment, necessitated by the return of Anthony Santander from injury. This decision highlights the drastic decline in Manoah’s performance. In 2022, he showcased his skills with a remarkable 2.24 ERA and 180 strikeouts across 196.2 innings, affirming his place among the elite pitchers in Major League Baseball. However, the 2023 season brought a stark reality check, as his ERA ballooned to 5.87, and his struggles continued into the 2024 campaign, despite a slightly improved 3.70 ERA over five starts.
A Mixed Bag in Triple-A
In an effort to regain his form, Manoah spent time in Triple-A this season, where he posted a 2.97 ERA over seven starts. However, a deeper dive into his performance reveals a troubling Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) statistic of 5.93, indicating that he may not be as effective as those surface numbers suggest. Even more concerning is the decline in his fastball velocity, which reportedly averaged just 91 miles per hour—2.6 mph below his career norm. This reduction in speed reflects a significant shift from the pitcher who once dominated opposing lineups.
Searching for the Old Manoah
The challenge for the Braves lies in determining whether the version of Manoah that dazzled in 2022 still exists within him. The franchise is betting on the possibility that they can help him rediscover the form that made him a household name among baseball fans. After a frustrating season filled with inconsistency, the Braves are willing to embrace this gamble, hoping that a change of scenery will unlock the potential that Manoah has yet to fully realize.
As the Braves embark on this journey with Manoah, the stakes are high—not only for him but also for the team that seeks to bolster its pitching depth. The road ahead may be fraught with challenges, but the allure of reviving a once-great talent is a risk worth taking in the competitive landscape of Major League Baseball.
