Alek Manoah’s Journey from Ace to Waivers
The Toronto Blue Jays, who once envisioned Alek Manoah as a cornerstone of their pitching staff, now find themselves in a surprising position. On Tuesday, the team placed the former ace on waivers, a stark contrast to the promise he showed just a couple of seasons ago.
This move comes in light of roster adjustments as the Blue Jays welcome back Anthony Santander from an extended injury layoff. Manoah’s designation for assignment (DFA) automatically places him on waivers, allowing any team in baseball the opportunity to claim him. If he goes unclaimed, he will remain within the organization but will be removed from the 40-man roster.
The Rise and Fall of Manoah
This transition is not merely surprising—it underscores a dramatic decline. In 2022, Manoah was a Cy Young finalist, boasting an impressive 2.24 ERA and racking up 180 strikeouts across 196.2 innings. His performance that year painted a picture of a bright future and solidified his status as an ace.
However, the narrative took a downward turn in 2023 as his ERA ballooned to 5.87. While he managed a slightly improved 3.70 ERA across five starts in 2024, the flashes of his former brilliance were increasingly elusive. His struggles were further highlighted during a stint in Triple-A, where he posted a 2.97 ERA in seven starts, but his Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) told a different story at 5.93.
Concerns Over Velocity and Performance
One of the most concerning aspects of Manoah’s decline has been his fastball velocity. Reports indicate that during his time in Triple-A, he was averaging just 91 miles per hour—a notable 2.6 mph drop from his career average. This dip in velocity raises questions about his ability to compete at the highest level and signals a shift in his effectiveness as a pitcher.
Despite these challenges, Manoah still has two years of arbitration eligibility remaining on his contract. At just 25 years old, he should be entering the prime of his career, ideally positioned within a Blue Jays rotation aspiring for playoff success. Yet, the decision to place him on waivers suggests the organization feels it can move forward without him.
A Brutal Chapter for Toronto
The circumstances surrounding Manoah’s current status highlight a larger narrative of disappointment and missed potential. What was once seen as a promising career trajectory now faces a precarious future. As the Blue Jays grapple with their roster decisions, the reality sets in that Manoah, a player once pivotal to their ambitions, may be on the brink of an uncertain new chapter—one that could see him leave Toronto altogether.
In the competitive landscape of Major League Baseball, the stakes are high, and the fallout from this decision will be closely watched. For now, Alek Manoah’s journey remains a cautionary tale of how swiftly fortunes can change in the world of sports.
