Blue Jays’ Alek Manoah Dealt Latest Career Blow

Manoah struggled on rehab assignment

The decision to formally option Manoah to Triple-A likely became academic when taking his struggles into consideration. Although he's shown some improvement since moving up to Triple-A Buffalo, Manoah has a 4.40 ERA, a 1.67 WHIP, 23 strikeouts, and 17 walks in eight rehab outings (28 2/3 innings).

Manoah hasn't been the same pitcher since a meteoric rise to stardom during the 2021 and 2022 campaigns. He amassed -0.4 FanGraphs WAR in 2023 and 2024, posting a 4-11 record with a 5.40 ERA in 111 2/3 innings pitched.

He struggled mightily to navigate at-bats against left-handed hitters and saw his four-seam fastball's effectiveness fall off a cliff.

No clear role for Manoah

Another contributing factor to this decision, stems from the lack of a pathway to a defined role for Manoah.

The Blue Jays are set in the rotation with Shane Bieber, Kevin Gausman, Max Scherzer, Chris Bassitt, and José Berríos. Left-hander Eric Lauer was moved to the bullpen to fill a long-relief role for the club. Beyond that, even with the team's struggles in the bullpen, it's hard to see how this version of Manoah could benefit the Blue Jays pitching in relief.

What's next for Manoah?

Manoah finds himself at something of a crossroads. The 27-year-old is under team control for another two seasons before he's scheduled to become a free agent at the conclusion of the 2027 MLB season.

The Blue Jays are likely hoping for a strong finish to the season at Triple-A, which might provide Manoah with some confidence and momentum heading into the offseason. It's possible that Manoah will be given an opportunity to earn a rotation spot out of spring training in 2026 with the Blue Jays potentially needing to replace Bieber, Scherzer, and Bassitt next season.

The odds are becoming increasingly long that Manoah can return to being a quality MLB pitcher. He's three years removed from his last extended stretch of consistent, quality results. Manoah might benefit from a change of scenery and a fresh set of eyes from another team to try and potentially recapture the magic he showcased earlier in his career.