Former Blue Jays pitcher Alek Manoah finds latest shot at redemption with MLB deal

It may have been a tumultuous past few seasons, but for former Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Alek Manoah, he has finally managed to land a newfound opportunity to revive his MLB career. On Tuesday, Manoah secured his latest shot at redemption by signing a one-year, $1.95 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels to return to the American League where it all began for the pitching hopeful. In doing so, it also ends any potential hope of a reunion with his former Blue Jays team.

It wasn’t too long ago when Manoah appeared to be the next big pitching star coming up from the Blue Jays system when he made his major league debut with Toronto after only 35 minor league innings under his belt. The big right-hander did not disappoint in his swift transition to the majors, posting a strong 9-2 record with a 3.22 ERA and 1.05 WHIP with 127 strikeouts in 111 2/3 innings over 20 starts to finish eighth in AL Rookie of the Year voting.

Former Blue Jays pitcher Alek Manoah finds latest shot at redemption with MLB deal

Manoah would follow it up with a breakout 2022 campaign in which he compiled a stellar 16-7 record with a 2.24 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, together with 180 strikeouts in 196.2 total innings over a full starter’s load of 31 starts. In doing so, the right-hander ended up being a first-time All-Star and Cy Young finalist in just his second season in the big leagues.

However, things would begin to fall apart in his subsequent seasons as inconsistencies with his control and command, along with injury woes would beset the once-promising star. Manoah endured a disastrous 2023 in which he posted a 3-9 record with a 5.87 ERA, 1.74 WHIP, giving up 57 earned runs and 59 walks to go along with 79 strikeouts in 87.1 innings pitched. That was followed by a 2024 campaign in which he managed only five starts before being lost for the season due to Tommy John surgery. 

Manoah would spend 2025 recovering from his major surgery and rehabbing in the Blue Jays’ minor league system. He would get into 10 minor league starts, registering a 6.05 ERA and 1.53 WHIP before he was ultimately designated for assignment in late September and eventually claimed by the Atlanta Braves prior to the end of the regular season. However, Manoah was non-tendered by the Braves during the offseason, making him a free agent.

The 27-year-old right-hander will now look to get his professional baseball career back on track with the Angels for the upcoming 2026 season. Hopefully, the former Blue Jays pitching stud will rediscover his game in one way or another to have a solid MLB career ahead of him.