2025 Transactions: Alek Manoah DFA’d, Corey Julks Back with White Sox

Amid a roster crunch, the Blue Jays designated former All-Star pitcher Alek Manoah on September 23. It could mean the end of Manoah’s time with the organization, the one that drafted him out of West Virginia six years ago. Additionally, the White Sox brought back Corey Julks from Triple-A.

Manoah DFA’d by Blue Jays

The move could mean the end of a very complicated run in Toronto for Alek Manoah, a 2019 first-round pick.

Manoah made his MLB debut in 2021 and quickly ascended to the top of the Jays’ rotation. He then became an AL All-Star in 2022, as he won 16 games and struck out 180 over 196.2 IP.

The 27-year-old then had a disastrous 2023, one that saw him deal with command and velocity problems. Manoah was sent to the FCL to work through his problems and eventually found his footing in 2024. However, elbow surgery shelved him after five starts.

He rehabbed with Triple-A Buffalo for much of the summer but was optioned to stay in western New York after the assignment. As noted in September, Manoah’s velocity was significantly down during his rehab. His velocity was below 91 MPH on several occasions, far from the 93 MPH Manoah averaged in 2024.

Since Manoah was DFA’d, any team across Major League Baseball can claim him off waivers. It should be noted that Manoah had two options (one in 2023, one in 2025) used while with Toronto.

If he’s not claimed, Manoah can be outrighted to Triple-A. Manoah has more than three years of service and can reject the assignment for free agency.

Julks promoted to Chicago

Corey Julks is back with the White Sox for the final week.

The Sox selected his contract after having a solid season down in Triple-A. Julks hit .300/.374/.477 (.851 OPS) with 15 home runs and 46 extra-base hits over 115 games with Charlotte.

Julks slides into the roster for Andrew Benintendi, who was placed on the injured list. He played four games for the White Sox earlier this season.

Other moves

Atlanta activated reliever Joel Payamps, claimed off waivers by the Braves on September 22. Milwaukee DFA’d Payamps a few days earlier.

It came on the same day that Atlanta re-signed veteran pitcher Charlie Morton.

The Padres demoted infielder Will Wagner to the ACL.