Scouts Eye: Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Alek Manoah

Blue Jays 5th overall top organizational prospect, who is he? Let’s look at one of Alek Manoah’s Pre-Draft scouting report.

Manoah was my top overall prospect watch in the 2019 MLB Amateur Draft.  I love evaluating pitchers.  While I watch vigorously for top Canadian talent, I wanted to see Alek sign in Toronto.  Working in the Academy for the Blue Jays, another instructor, friend and close colleague of the Jays, James Peppin was my main upfront source.  Peppin worked for the University of West Virginia’s Baseball program.  I trusted his insight and knowledge behind a solid evaluation.

Prior to the draft, I put together Manoah’s evaluation amongst other potential picks.  Here’s what I had to say about the Jays 2019 1st rounder:

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2019 MLB First Year Player Draft – Report (Independent Scout, Nick PRASAD)

ALEK MANOAH

DOB: 09 January 1998
HIGH SCHOOL: South Dade Senior HS
COLLEGE: University of West Virginia
CLUB TEAM: Chatham Anglers
POSITION(S): RHP/1B
H/W: 6’6”/260lbs

POSITION VELOCITY

Fastball 92-95 MPH (99 Max), Slider 80-84 MPH Max, Changeup 82 – 85 MPH Max

PITCHING:

4-SEAM FASTBALL           Velo: 92-95MPH (99 Max)             Grade: 75

Changeup:                           Velo: 82-85MPH                               Grade: 50

Slider                                    Velo: 80-84MPH                               Grade: 55

PHYSICAL MATURITY

Alek is weighted at 260 lbs at a height of 6’6”.   He stands tall with a strong athletic built and a dense muscular frame from top to bottom. He has broad shoulders, heavy strong hips and a solid powerful lower half, with a body type comparable to a Dellin Betances (RHP, New York Mets)

PLAYER STRENGTH

Alek displays tremendous arm strength as a part of an athletically sculpted upper body.  His arm is quick and loose and whips out into a healthy arm slot.  His hips are conditioned and very compatible with the synergy of his legs which justifies a strong athletic lower half.  Alek’s total body performance is high explosive containing agility and strength consistency.

PLAYER WEAKNESS’

Displayed no obvious weakness so far in observation.

SYNOPSIS’

Alek is a muscular tower of a pitcher; his athletic capabilities are stunning to watch and has great effect in his outings.  His mechanics play a huge role in his consistent delivery, velocity and location.  His 6’6” frame falls off the mound with a whipping arm slot.  He throws a hard darting 4-seam fastball at high speeds; lots of tail and late movement.  In an outing in February 2019, Manoah lit up the gun with a firing 99 MPH.

His slider is hard to read, sweeping from left to right with a last-minute break; great 1-2, 2-2 pitch.  His changeup sits low, typically on the corners and speeds change between a 9-13 MPH difference, which is highly effective when fastballs are sitting in high 90s. Manoah maintains composure in pressure situations and is very confident in all of his tools.  He has the ability to start, throw in relief, or even to close.  His IQ in pitch selection and situational awareness is incredible and he’s one of the most fundamentally sound in fielding his position.

Report Date:  09 March 2019                         Scout/Evaluator: Nick PRASAD

Comparable To: Dellin Betances (RHP, NYY)

Recommendation: ($3,000,000. , Round 8)

This is the calibre of player the Blue Jays employ currently in their minor league system. More to come on Manoah soon!