Blue Jays: Five players who won’t make the team, but will finish the year

The story of the spring

If spring stats were the most important factor in who makes the team, Alek Manoah would unquestionably start the year in the big leagues. However, it doesn’t quite work that way, so try not to be too disappointed when the hard-throwing righty starts the year in Triple-A.

That said, after the way Manoah has performed during his Grapefruit League appearances, there’s no doubt that the coaching staff and front office have taken notice. It’s a shame he lost the 2020 season in the minor leagues due to the pandemic, but you wouldn’t know it with the way he’s throwing the ball right now.

After another solid outing on Thursday the former first round draft pick has a 0.00 ERA with a 0.14 WHIP and 15 strikeouts over 7.0 innings, holding opposing hitters to a .048 average. His fastball looks outstanding and his slider has been impressive, and he looks ready to take the next step.

Even if the injury bug keeps biting the Jays, I expect that they’ll prefer to start Manoah in Triple-A, especially so they can control his innings count. He prides himself on being a workhorse, but every professional pitcher is going to have to alter their approach this year after a strange 2020. For Manoah, the incentive to agree to some shorter outings early in the year might be the chance to make some big league starts at some point.

I had the opportunity to interview the Florida native early in 2020, and he very much impressed me at that time. It comes as no surprise to me that he’s thriving this spring, and I’m excited to see him with the Blue Jays later this year, even if we’re going to have to wait for a few more months.