The Toronto Blue Jays thought, in 2022, that they had a future star in Alek Manoah.
He had a 2.24 ERA in 196.2 innings that year and was one of the finalists for the AL Cy Young award.
Things, however, fell apart completely in 2023.
He struggled so much that the Jays had to send him to the Complex League to work on some things and then to Triple-A.
All things considered, he posted a horrible 5.87 ERA in 87.1 innings for Toronto last year.
That production just won’t cut it at the highest level, but the Jays have remained patient through it all.
Since there are always teams looking to buy low on potential bounce-back stars, Toronto has actually received some interest in the trade market for the struggling star.
He is staying put, though.
“Teams have asked the Blue Jays about Alek Manoah’s availability via trade, but sources say the Jays are telling clubs they have no plans to move him. I’m told Manoah has had a very good offseason of workouts. He’s expected to be in the Jays’ rotation,” MLB insider Jon Morosi reported via Twitter.
Teams have asked the Blue Jays about Alek Manoah’s availability via trade, but sources say the Jays are telling clubs they have no plans to move him.
I’m told Manoah has had a very good offseason of workouts. He’s expected to be in the Jays’ rotation. @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) February 1, 2024
It makes little sense for Toronto to deal Manoah when his trade value is at its lowest.
In any case, they will give him an extended chance in 2024, hoping he can return to the form that made him great.
His attitude hasn’t always been the best, and the same can be said about his conditioning.
Still, if he has indeed had a good offseason, the Blue Jays have every reason to run him out there every five days.
The post Insider Shares Intriguing 2024 Alek Manoah Update appeared first on The Cold Wire.