Why Blue Jays Released Alek Manoah — Who Might Sign Him?

The Toronto Blue Jays just made a tough, emotional roster move. They designated former All-Star pitcher Alek Manoah for assignment, only three years after he finished third in AL Cy Young voting.

No one really saw this coming. Manoah’s time in Toronto ends abruptly, and outfielder Anthony Santander returns from the 60-day injured list to take his spot.

Manoah’s résumé boasts some serious highs. But lately, his performance and health have slipped, so the team decided to prioritize other arms instead. It’s a new chapter for both Manoah and the Blue Jays, whether anyone’s ready or not.

A Stunning Fall from Stardom

Back in 2022, Alek Manoah looked like one of baseball’s best pitchers. He posted a brilliant 2.24 ERA, made the All-Star team, and finished third in Cy Young Award voting.

He commanded the zone, missed bats, and pitched deep into games. For a while, he was the guy Toronto built their rotation around.

From Ace to Uncertainty

By 2023, things unraveled fast. Manoah’s ERA shot up to 5.87 as he battled mechanical issues, lost velocity, and struggled with command.

Then, in 2024, he managed just five starts before needing Tommy John surgery. That ended his season and made his future in the majors a huge question mark.

The Numbers Behind the Decision

Manoah did show flashes in Triple-A, with a 3.96 ERA over 10 starts. But the underlying numbers? Not so promising:

• Diminished velocity compared to his best years
• High walk rates—command just wasn’t there
• Gave up harder contact to opposing hitters

General manager Ross Atkins called the DFA “very tough.” Still, the Blue Jays picked other pitchers for postseason depth and future roles instead of Manoah.

Manoah was under team control through 2027 on a low salary. That the team moved on anyway says a lot about how little faith they had in his ability to help right now.

Opening the Door for Anthony Santander

With Manoah off the roster, Anthony Santander comes off the 60-day injured list. He brings some much-needed power to Toronto’s lineup for the season’s home stretch.

Of course, his return meant Manoah had to go. That’s a tough pill to swallow, considering Manoah’s impact on the franchise not so long ago.

What’s Next for Alek Manoah?

Now Manoah heads into the waiver process. Any team can claim him and take on his contract and years of control.

If no one claims him, he could choose free agency and chart his own course. Given his past as an ace, affordable salary, and team control through 2027, you’d think some rebuilding or pitching-hungry club might take a shot on him as a reclamation project.

Realistic Expectations

But let’s be real—Manoah’s days as Toronto’s rotation anchor feel far away now. Any team that picks him up will probably see him as Triple-A depth or a long-term rehab project, not a sure thing for the big leagues.

With the command issues, recent injuries, and slower fastball, a quick return to stardom doesn’t seem likely.

The Big Picture for Toronto

The Blue Jays’ move shows just how unforgiving baseball roster decisions can get. Even a player with Manoah’s track record can get cut loose when performance and health don’t line up with what the team needs.

Toronto’s focus now is on winning with the best and healthiest roster they can put together. Still, fans won’t forget Manoah’s breakout years—those memories stick, even if the business side doesn’t.

End of an Era, Start of a Gamble

So, Manoah’s departure hits like a warning and a fresh roll of the dice. For the Blue Jays, it closes the book on an era that featured one of the most electric young arms they’ve had in years.

Other teams might see this as a chance to chase some upside, hoping they can somehow revive the spark that once made Manoah a Cy Young contender. Will his career catch fire again, or will that 2022 magic just fade into baseball trivia?

Honestly, who knows? But it’s pretty clear that Alek Manoah’s story isn’t over yet, and baseball fans everywhere are going to keep an eye out for whatever comes next.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Why the Blue Jays cut bait with Alek Manoah and why another team may give the former Cy Young candidate a shot