Blue Jays GM Atkins values depth over potential in questionable roster decision

It might not be the end of the relationship between the Toronto Blue Jays and Alek Manoah, but it is on thin ice after the Blue Jays announced a shocking move on Tuesday, ahead of their series against the Boston Red Sox. In order to make room for outfielder Anthony Santander the Blue Jays had to designate Manoah for assignment.

Manoah can still clear waivers and stay with the Blue Jays but it would be just as shocking to see all of the other 29 teams let the 6'6" 285lbs right hander just swim on by without making a claim on him. He has potential, he's shown flashes of it as he works his way back from Tommy John surgery. And while General Manager Ross Atkins comments about the decision don't feel great to hear as a fan, they unfortunately seem logical from a business stand point.

Blue Jays GM Atkins values depth over potential in questionable roster decision

Atkins spoke to reporters on Wednesday afternoon, ahead of Toronto's second game on their three game series against Boston. He told reporters, "These are always tough decisions. This just came down to a roster crunch, and us feeling like the best decision for us to hold depth and support for this staff as we push forward in very important weeks, we chose others over him obviously."

That "roster crunch" surrounds the fact that the Blue Jays have been cycling through a number of arms in the bullpen recently. With the spate of injuries to the roster overall, Atkins clearly feels having as many guys who are comfortable in a bullpen role as possible is going to be necessary to get through the postseason.

That includes names like Lazaro Estrada and Justin Bruihl. Two guys who probably won't factor into the Blue Jays postseason plans, but their spot on the 40-man roster was saved in favour of Manoah's. Paxton Schultz, Dillion Tate, and Easton Lucas are also questionable bubble players who some fans would think don't have as high a ceiling as Manoah potentially does, but again it comes down to the fact that they have pitched comfortably out of the bullpen this year, wheras Monoah has never had to do that.

Manoah was drafted in the first round (No. 11) by the Blue Jays in 2019 and burst onto the scene in 2021, pitching to a 2.9 bWAR with a 3.22 ERA and 127 strikeouts in 111 innings pitched. In his first full season in the big leagues in 2022, he was dominant. He accumulated a 6.0 bWAR with an ERA+ of 172, racking up 180 strikeouts in 196 innings pitched and not only earned an All-Star nod, but finished third in AL Cy Young voting.

It's an unfortunate fall from grace for Manoah who, despite having a really bad year in 2023 and was sent all the way down to the Blue Jays complex league to try and work out the kinks, Manoah looked to be getting back on track just last season before the injury. He had a 3.70 ERA in five games with 26 strikeouts in 24 innings and posted his second best career WHIP of 1.027.

The Blue Jays may be keeping their fingers and their toes crossed over the next few days hoping that he clears waivers and this isn't a move that comes back to haunt them.