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Blue Jays Turning Away Trade Interest In Alek Manoah, Expect Him To Be In 2024 Rotation

By Steve Adams | February 1, 2024 at 9:15am CDT

The Blue Jays have heard from teams looking to buy low on right-hander Alek Manoah following a disastrous 2023 season throughout the winter, but Jon Morosi of MLB Network tweets that the Jays have been telling interested parties they expect Manoah to be in the 2024 rotation and do not plan to move him.

By now, the highs and lows of Manoah’s 2022-23 campaigns are well-documented. The right-hander finished third in American League Cy Young voting as recently as 2022, pitching to a pristine 2.24 earned run average while fanning 22.9% of his opponents against a 6.5% walk rate. He made 31 starts, totaled 196 2/3 innings, and was named to his first All-Star team that year. The 2023 season was the polar opposite; Manoah’s velocity, strikeout rate and walk rate all went in the wrong direction. His home run rate doubled. His opponents’ average exit velocity jumped by two miles per hour, while their hard-hit rate spiked from 31.5% to 44.4%.

Manoah was optioned to the minors multiple times throughout the 2023 season — a notion that would’ve been unthinkable entering the year. The right-hander underwent a slate of medical exams after being optioned for the final time, but no major injury was uncovered. He wound up finishing out the season with a grisly 5.87 ERA in just 87 1/3 frames. Manoah’s final big league start came on Aug. 10.

Throughout the offseason, Manoah’s name has popped up in various trade rumors. That’s plenty understandable, as even if the 2023 season represents a clear rock-bottom for the talented righty, he’s only a year removed from being on the opposite end of that spectrum. Manoah also just turned 26 years old in January, and he’s controllable for another four years before he can become a free agent. Even if the Jays (or a trade partner) never get him back to that peak 2022 form, there’s an appealing middle ground where Manoah could be a strong mid-rotation arm at an affordable rate for several years.

For the Blue Jays, the upside of keeping Manoah has clearly outweighed the temptation to pursue a change of scenery. That’s likely due both to belief in the pitcher himself and the offers and names discussed with other clubs in trade talks. Interested parties were undoubtedly trying to acquire Manoah at something of a discounted rate in light of last year’s struggles. The Jays, presumably, retained a lofty asking price given the affordability, remaining club control and ceiling of the pitcher.

Beyond the general difficulty of lining up on asking price in such a volatile buy-low situation, the Jays simply aren’t teeming with rotation depth. Assuming Manoah is in the starting five to begin the season, he’ll join Kevin Gausman, Jose Berrios, Chris Bassitt and Yusei Kikuchi to round out the group.

It’s a solid quintet but one with its own question marks even beyond Manoah. Berrios’ 2022 season was similar to Manoah’s 2023 campaign; in 32 starts he was tagged for an uncharacteristic 5.23 ERA with the highest home-run rate and lowest strikeout rate of his career. He bounced back in ’23 (3.65 ERA in 189 2/3 innings), but his ’22 struggles are surely still in the back of the Jays’ minds. Meanwhile, Kikuchi is something of a wild card. The 32-year-old lefty is clearly a talented arm but has had a roller-coaster MLB tenure. At his best, he’s looked like a borderline top-of-the-rotation arm, but there have been low points where he’s pitched his way out of a rotation spot entirely. Between Manoah, Berrios and Kikuchi, there’s a volatile, broad-reaching range of potential outcomes.

The depth behind that group is also somewhat lacking. Left-hander Ricky Tiedemann is one of the top pitching prospects in the sport but tossed just 44 innings during the 2023 regular season — only four of which came in Triple-A. He tacked on another 18 innings in the Arizona Fall League, but he’s lacking upper-minors experience and will be on an innings cap to some extent in 2024. Righty Yariel Rodriguez, who agreed to a four-year, $32MM deal might be an eventual rotation option for Toronto, but he didn’t pitch in 2023 outside of a brief showing in the World Baseball Classic, and he was primarily a reliever during his most recent run with the Chunichi Dragons of Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball.

The Jays have a trio of other right-handers on the 40-man roster who could conceivably serve as depth: Mitch White, Bowden Francis and Wes Parsons. But White’s roster spot could be in jeopardy this spring after he posted a 5.50 ERA in Triple-A last season and a 7.11 ERA in 12 2/3 MLB frames. He’s out of minor league options, so he’ll need to make the Opening Day club, likely as a long reliever/swingman, or else be designated for assignment. Francis, 28 in April, posted a sparkling 1.73 ERA with Toronto last year but worked exclusively out of the bullpen in the big leagues and made only seven minor league starts. He pitched a total of 66 1/3 innings in ’23. Parsons, 31, joined the Jays on a minor league deal after a two-year run in the KBO and posted a 4.52 ERA in 17 Triple-A starts before being rocked for nine runs in four innings during his lone MLB start.

Given the shaky nature of the team’s depth and the fact that 60 percent of the current MLB rotation has struggled to an ERA north of 5.00 in one of the past two seasons, it’s understandable if the Jays want to retain as much depth as possible. Couple that with what one can imagine have been lackluster offers from teams hoping to secure a bargain acquisition of Manoah, and it becomes all the easier to see why the Jays prefer to hang onto him. Any trade situation is fluid, of course, and it takes all of one phone call or text message with the right player’s name(s) to get earnest trade talks rolling. For now, however, it seems likely to anticipate Manoah will open the season in Toronto and look to reestablish himself as a viable cog in a talented but mercurial rotation.

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117 Comments

  1. its_happening

    1 year ago

    Good decision. Inexpensive rotation option coming off a down year with decreased value from a year ago. Jays need Manoah to be somewhere in the middle between 2022 and 2023, making him a very strong #5.

    12
    Reply
    • Yankee Clipper

      1 year ago

      True, and teams are likely offering a very low return for him based on that down year.

      5
      Reply
      • cwsOverhaul

        1 year ago

        For sure-teams are trying lowball trade offers for all starters in an effort to get around paying 8 figures for below FA’s. Easy to do when 0-0

        2
        Reply
    • Digdugler

      1 year ago

      Yup, selling low made no sense, especially given the Jays high payroll already,

      2
      Reply
    • Mystery13

      1 year ago

      Disagree, he needs to be much more than a solid number 5. The jays were lucky to get bounce back seasons from Kikuchi and Berrios, and were very lucky for the rotation health they got. The offense is gonna have a hard time repeating last years production and that production was already not very good for a contender. The Jays are gonna need the rotation to carry them this season and Manoah being a top of rotation arm would go a long way to helping that

      5
      Reply
      • its_happening

        1 year ago

        Mystery if he’s between 2022 and 2023 as I said he will be more than a #5 based on that performance. As of today he is slotted at #5.

        You can say you disagree but you’re really proving you didn’t read what I said nor grasp the reality of Manoah’s situation. In-between would put Manoah at a 2 or 3.

        1
        Reply
        • rememberthecoop

          1 year ago

          That’s right.

          Reply
        • Mystery13

          1 year ago

          I can only reply to the words that were written and you clearly stated he would be a solid number 5 if he had a season between 22 and 23

          2
          Reply
        • Mystery13

          1 year ago

          You need to go re read your own comment cause nowhere do you say he will be a solid 2 or 3 option. My reading comprehension is perfectly good, your writing on the other hand

          2
          Reply
        • its_happening

          1 year ago

          My writing is for people who know baseball. Makes sense you were confused. Again.

          1
          Reply
        • Mystery13

          1 year ago

          The middle ground of 22 and 23 is about a 4.20 era so no definitely not a 1 or 2. So keep telling people how smart you are little boy

          Reply
        • Canuckleball

          1 year ago

          Over the last 2 seasons Alek Manoah has thrown a total of 284 innings and given up 106 earned runs.

          That works out to a 3.36 ERA

          Sure looks like an ERA of a solid upper rotation arm.

          1
          Reply
        • Mystery13

          1 year ago

          And what would that have looked like if they continued to let him pitch in the rotation last year. He went from a 2.2 era to an almost 6 era.

          The only reason the overall numbers look respectable over the 2 years is because they removed him

          3
          Reply
        • its_happening

          1 year ago

          I was going to tell you that you know nothing about baseball again, but Canuck beat me to the punch.

          At least we know you’ve proven you can’t calculate ERA properly.

          And….some would argue your miscalculation would be a 2 or 3 on most teams, like I said.

          Reply
        • Mystery13

          1 year ago

          Sure bud. I bet your mommy still tells you how special you are

          1
          Reply
        • Mystery13

          1 year ago

          I didn’t do any calculations. I gave you the mid point of his ERA in 2022 and his ERA in 2023.

          You know why. Cause it was literally the premise of your original comment.

          Take a nap pal, maybe you’ll be a less angry idiot

          1
          Reply
        • css 2

          1 year ago

          Your writing is for mouth breathing slobs that spend their entire lives online.

          Reply
        • its_happening

          1 year ago

          You’re bad at math and baseball. Noted. No anger just an easy observation.

          Reply
      • pingston

        1 year ago

        I agree. And if someone wants him, they’d better pony up, as the article says. So in a sense this is a public statement that he’s available but at a solid price — perhaps a big bat with a short tenure currently contracted (some are whispering Peter Alonso) and some prospect arms.

        Blue Jays can take the risk he bounces back or sell that risk but not cheaply… Indeed if he does well in Dunedin the price will shoot up, so suitors need to pony up now or likely lose out…

        Reply
        • pingston

          1 year ago

          Apologize if I sound like I’m repeating article, but it’s worth saying when writer got it right… That’s all.

          1
          Reply
    • Jack Hoffman

      1 year ago

      Thanks for the Captain Obvious comments. The article literally already said exactly what you guys commented. Lol.

      1
      Reply
      • its_happening

        1 year ago

        Did he say “good decision”?

        Or, was this the only logical decision to make because the Jays have no SP depth?

        Thank you for nothing. Drop “man” from your name and don’t leave a space.

        Reply
    • dbacksrs

      1 year ago

      Doesn’t get rave reviews on his pitching or in the clubhouse.

      Reply
  2. getrealgone2

    1 year ago

    Probably aren’t getting much back in return as far as offers.

    2
    Reply
    • dbacksrs

      1 year ago

      Doesn’t get rave reviews on his pitching or in the clubhouse.

      1
      Reply
  3. okbud

    1 year ago

    “Pressure is something you put in your tires.”

    3
    Reply
    • rememberthecoop

      1 year ago

      Pretty tired reference but I suppose it was right in your wheel house. But it fell kinda flat.

      3
      Reply
      • Rsk3228

        1 year ago

        If he actually said that then he should be reminded of it every day based on his abysmal performance last season.

        1
        Reply
      • bestone

        1 year ago

        Alek will bounce back this seasonal. We trust he has aligned his ducks and when the rubber hits the road, he will be there. Bib has given his high five approval.

        Reply
        • okbud

          1 year ago

          On a serious note, it’ll be interesting to see how he does. If it’s more of the same I think Manoah will be the latest yips casualty. If he can fix himself, it’ll be interesting to see what was wrong last year.

          Reply
        • bestone

          1 year ago

          From the little that I know about pro sports and the Jays, there is a large support staff of professionals working in the organization to fix, repair and help ensure that the team’s investment isn’t lost. Some athletes can never reach beyond their peak. Alek lost something along the way last year; let’s see if the wheels in the system can help him regain what he had, and reach beyond the peak from a couple of seasons ago. Sure, he’s the one on the lump in the diamond, but he’s not alone….perhaps there is a much larger systematic problem with the Jays (re: Atkins and the rest of the front office)

          Reply
      • Paleobros

        1 year ago

        Coop,

        Hopefully he’ll be rotation-ready when the rubber meets the road this year, and not just going in circles.

        Reply
  4. Best Screenname Ever

    1 year ago

    Not close to events, but didn’t he kick up a fuss and refuse to report near the end of the season when he got sent down?

    If I’m remembering that right, this all sounds like trying to jack up the price for a guy on his way out.

    3
    Reply
    • KamKid

      1 year ago

      I don’t know that he himself kicked up a fuss. I think his agency might have been the ones to suggest he should stay in Toronto for further medical testing as they were probably angling for an IL placement instead of an option as it would have an effect on him reaching super 2 status.

      1
      Reply
    • Dorothy_Mantooth

      1 year ago

      According to reports (and videos from late Oct-2023), Manoah is working out like a fiend in the gym and his body looks much thinner than it did most of the year last season. If he continues to work hard, he’s going to be in the best shape of his baseball career so far. Hopefully that will allow him to rebound from such a terrible season and get back on track.

      Reply
  5. Trafficked

    1 year ago

    They can’t trade him now, would probably be good for him though…

    Reply
  6. SODOMOJO

    1 year ago

    He is really busting his butt and putting the work in. Rooting for him big time

    1
    Reply
    • kcmark

      1 year ago

      I am too. But unfortunately I’ve seen this far too many times. In this order:

      1. Reduction in command (more walks)
      2. Reduction in velocity (more hits)
      3. Arm issue identified (elbow or shoulder)

      3
      Reply
      • MoneyBallJustWorks

        1 year ago

        people go on about his 2022 but his expected stats weren’t that far off from Martin Perez. so adequate, but not top 2 rotation like many Jays hope.

        certainly if they are getting lowball offers you hold and hope, but if even a decent offer came in, the Jays should consider. Some GM’s I’m sure love his passion and attitude (when going well) but the Jays need someone consistent

        Reply
  7. James Midway

    1 year ago

    I can understand it especially with the price of starting pitching right now. I am still mad about him ending Taylor Ward’s season.

    3
    Reply
  8. Mustard Tiger

    1 year ago

    He needs to cut down on the all you can eat buffets and concentrate on pitching.

    5
    Reply
    • jimmertee

      1 year ago

      Cut down on beer as well too?

      Reply
  9. hiflew

    1 year ago

    They better he turns it around a little because if not they are stuck with Ricky Romero 2.0. People could write off one bad season as an aberration, but if he has two bad ones in a row, people will start to believe that the good year was the aberration instead.

    1
    Reply
    • Mystery13

      1 year ago

      He’s a pre arbitration player, costs them nothing in dollars. They are in no way stuck with him, and there’s always a chance like most failed starters that he could reestablish himself out of the pen

      2
      Reply
      • hiflew

        1 year ago

        Oh. I thought he was one of the extension signers for some reason. Either way, they missed their chance to sell high on him which could be considered just as bad as losing money. To a fan it is probably worse actually.

        Reply
  10. Clofreesz

    1 year ago

    Very rough 2023 that likely gave him a small dosage of the yips. He needs a bounce-back season.

    Reply
  11. rememberthecoop

    1 year ago

    Yeah, you’re probably not going to get appropriate value when selling low.

    Reply
  12. richardc

    1 year ago

    I really hope the guy doesn’t have the yips. Hopefully, he’s able to turn it around this year.

    Reply
  13. Libpwnr

    1 year ago

    Remember, folks; it’s pronounced “mah-nure”

    4
    Reply
  14. JRamHOF

    1 year ago

    Any room for optimism left for Nate Pearson?

    Reply
    • TheRickestRick

      1 year ago

      As a starter? No
      He’s in the pen to stay.
      Maybe an “Opener” from time to time if needed

      Reply
    • Ducey

      1 year ago

      Yeah. Pearson was healthy last year for the first time in forever. He threw 60 innings. He showed decent stuff including the makings of a pretty good breaking ball.

      He is only 26 so youneverknow. Could evolve back into a starter or a high leverage RP.

      Reply
    • gomer33

      1 year ago

      Journeyman now. Drafted almost seven years ago -0.4WAR and 5ERA career.

      1
      Reply
    • jimmertee

      1 year ago

      Nate Pearson is a one inning pitcher. Period. He can pitch more innings but it messes him up down the road. Load manangment is key for him.

      The Jays have really messed him up by first doing the starter thing and then the multiple reliever inning thing. Won’t work. Strictly a one inning max effort pitcher.

      The Jays don’t know what he is as a pitcher and neither does he.

      1
      Reply
    • its_happening

      1 year ago

      As a reliever.

      Reply
  15. stan lee the manly

    1 year ago

    That’s smart, hold onto the guy that you pissed off so much that he refused to show up to work. Can’t see that going wrong at all.

    3
    Reply
    • Mystery13

      1 year ago

      Do you have any actual evidence of that, or did the jays decide to shut him down. Outside of the silly fan base can you point to a single report of that

      3
      Reply
      • stan lee the manly

        1 year ago

        Lol yes, this was widely reported on at the time. Jeff Blair, a bunch of national news sources, The Athletic…take your pick.

        I recommend Google as a resource to easily answer questions like this.

        4
        Reply
  16. TennVol

    1 year ago

    Jays starters in years remaining: Berrios has five years left, Manoah has four years left, Gausman has three years left, Bassitt has two years left and Kikucci has 1 year left. Every year for the next 5 years they only need to replace 1 starter in the rotation. Tiedeman can, hopefully stay healthy and get to 120 innings or so this year and if the MLB team can stay healthy then he can replace Kikucci in 25 and hopefully challenge for rookie of the year that if it happens nets the Jays another draft pick.

    Reply
  17. Macbeth

    1 year ago

    If he actually cares about his physical health I am sure he can get back to where he was.

    From my personal experience last year seeing him ordering TONS of awful food to his hotel room when he stayed with us, I am not surprised he gained weight and that it was the subject of conversation all year during his struggles.

    Hopefully he puts in the effort this year.

    Reply
    • User 2161944466

      1 year ago

      There have been many fat pitchers going all the way back to Babe Ruth. Sabathia, Colon, Wells, Valenzuela, and Schilling.

      4
      Reply
      • Macbeth

        1 year ago

        How many of those guys dropped over 7 WAR in one season? I will save you the time. Schilling did from 04 to 05 when he both started and pitched out of the pen in 05.

        Also, was Valenzuela really that big? Manoah is 285 at 6’6.

        But overall being fat and performing is one thing. Being fat and dropping 7.1 WAR in one season is another. Weight does not preclude you from being critiqued when you do not perform up to expectations. Especially if weight is a logical reason for that lack of performance or lack of conditioning which could lead to injuries.

        1
        Reply
        • User 4095290658

          1 year ago

          What was the awful food?

          If I had to guess it would be a huge sandwich that also contained ‘slaw and fries.

          Reply
        • Macbeth

          1 year ago

          It was more about volume than anything. And no it wasn’t Primantis.

          1
          Reply
  18. Jack Hoffman

    1 year ago

    Article: “Blue Jays are turning down low ball offers for Manoah because if he bounces back he would be a fine #5 starter.”

    MLBTR Commenters: “I think they’re turning down offers because they are low ball offers. If Manoah returns somewhat close to form, he will be a fine #5 starter”

    You can’t make this stuff up. So, you read the article, then comment back the exact information and try to pass it off as original thoughts? Is that what this comment section is?

    5
    Reply
    • Mystery13

      1 year ago

      Thanks so much for commenting and bringing anything to the conversation

      2
      Reply
  19. bigdaddyhacks

    1 year ago

    lol nobody has called on him. Lies lol

    Reply
    • Canuckleball

      1 year ago

      It’s almost a certainty that they got calls on him. The potential ceiling on him is a perennial Cy Young candidate.

      If teams thought they could get him for peanuts and fix him, they’d be all over it.

      Reply
  20. Old York

    1 year ago

    Good luck to him but he needs to work on reducing the BB. Even last year in the Florida League and AA, he was still walking guys at a high rate.

    Jays still have 2 option years for him and he’s not a FA until 2028 so worth holding on for at least another year to see if he can right the ship.

    1
    Reply
  21. LordD99

    1 year ago

    They’re turning calls away because they’re offering little in return. Any reasonable offer and he’d be gone, but he was horrible and he’s a headache. Might as well hold him to see if there’s some level of a rebound.

    Has his ego been halved?

    4
    Reply
    • acoss13

      1 year ago

      He needs to cut down on his visits to the buffet, get into better shape. Pitching, especially starters need stamina to go for the long haul of a season. His ego does need to be checked when he comes in to Spring training.

      3
      Reply
  22. mlb1225

    1 year ago

    Blue Jays already have a quality 1-4 with Gausman, Berrios, Bassitt, and Kikuchi. It’s a smart baseball move to give Manoah the #5 spot. He’s still cheap and is only one year removed from a CYA finalist season. Worst case scenario is that he continues to struggle and you bring up Ricky Tiedmann. Best case scenario is that he becomes an all-star again.

    3
    Reply
    • Canuckleball

      1 year ago

      These are my thoughts exactly. Too much risk that he bounces back elsewhere if traded.

      Some people forget that he didn’t just have one good year. His first year he had 20 starts after being called up mid-season and posted an ERA of 3.22 and an ERA+ of 139 across 111.2 innings.

      He was good/great for 2 years prior to last years downfall.

      1
      Reply
      • pingston

        1 year ago

        Yes, and that’s why he is a reasonable risk at a new home that needs pitching. Extra bat and some prospects. Trade them before Spring Training…

        Reply
  23. Larry Elliott

    1 year ago

    No worries! Atkins has already predicted that all the Blue Jays will have better years this year. That is why we didn’t need any new (except Turner) players.

    1
    Reply
    • CTS4

      1 year ago

      And, Shapiro said “Ross can do better ” LOL

      Reply
    • pingston

      1 year ago

      Ross is right. It would be unusal for all hitters to duplicate their low 2023 numbers… He’s just not the best at expressing that.. And his internal improvements also includes bats such as Davis Schneider…

      Reply
    • Theodore

      1 year ago

      This article in Jays Journal today sums up what the Two guys at the top of this organization have not done to help this team get better.Team president Mark Shapiro and general manager Ross Atkins have long promised Blue Jays fans waves of MLB-ready talent. In discussing the ongoing Blue Jays rebuild in September 2018, Shapiro said, “you need to have waves of talent coming and you need to have dozens of prospects — not two, three, five prospects.”. We’re is this talent and even the young guys that they have trade away have been duds on other teams roster , we are in year 6 or 7 we’re is the talent .

      Reply
  24. Ubaldo Jimenez

    1 year ago

    Manoah, like Vladdy, will prove to be a cocky, over-hyped one-season wonder with an attitude problem equal to their weight.

    4
    Reply
    • Canuckleball

      1 year ago

      Again, not a one season wonder… 2 seasons of being upper rotation / Ace level production.

      Reply
  25. Rsox

    1 year ago

    Manoah’s biggest issue was physical conditioning, or lack thereof. If he shows up at camp grossly out of shape again the Jays may just rethink their position

    2
    Reply
    • Mystery13

      1 year ago

      So how do you explain the 2 prior seasons where he had the same body

      Reply
      • Canuckleball

        1 year ago

        No pitch clock in those first two seasons. He had to pitch faster last year.

        Reply
      • Rsox

        1 year ago

        Manoah came to spring training last year tipping the scales at around 320lbs, which would put him 35 pounds over his listed playing weight from prior years. Even at the 285lbs he’s listed at thats a 40lb increase since he was drafted in 2019. He has the same body type he’s played with the two years prior but was heavier

        4
        Reply
        • Mystery13

          1 year ago

          And you have proof of those numbers? Just another dummy making stuff up

          Reply
        • KamKid

          1 year ago

          I don’t think Rsox is making the numbers up. I can’t confirm them but I did hear that reported by Scott Mitchell.

          3
          Reply
        • Mystery13

          1 year ago

          So once again with zero evidence you are just spewing nonsense

          Reply
        • KamKid

          1 year ago

          tsn.ca/radio/toronto-1050/scott-mitchell-on-manoah…
          Around 1:45 time stamp. Michell is on the beat and is sourced in the organization. He hinted at some point that there was a known reason for it, but didn’t reveal what that reason was.
          I’m not spewing nonsense, just saying that there is a reason you are hearing people repeat these numbers. I haven’t heard this from other people who cover the team. But it was reported from at least one media source.

          3
          Reply
        • its_happening

          1 year ago

          You’re having a bad day, myst.

          Reply
        • pingston

          1 year ago

          No, the numbers were widely reported last year. Google should help. Heavy lad.

          Reply
        • pingston

          1 year ago

          Do you make up these insult claims just to be thought of as obnoxious? Or do you not know how to look things up on google, at the least?

          Reply
        • pingston

          1 year ago

          Yep, you are correct: Lots of writing and chatter about Manoah and his weight all season…

          From: torontogolfnuts.com/forum/golf-discussion-forum/th…

          Scott Mitchell
          @ScottyMitchTSN
          Talked to a couple people who had eyes on Alek Manoah’s Florida Complex League outing today and there’s not much positive to report that would say ignore the ugly line. Wasn’t great. We may still be at ground zero.​
          Odd that some folks are trying to dress up and put lipstick on a pig when all accounts are that he continues to be gawd awful.

          Another of the many takes that compares him to Rick Ankiel, hopefully things don’t go there but it’s obvious he’s far from ready to pitch in the ML at the moment.

          “YIKES. Manoah got absolutely ROCKED by a bunch of teenagers. it’s a weird spot for 25-year-old Alek Manoah. But the Blue Jays probably figured he could regain some confidence by dominating young hitters.

          Except, it didn’t work out that way. Not even close.
          ​

          It’s one of the biggest falls I think I’ve ever seen a professional athlete take. From near-Cy Young winner to not being able to get 18-year-olds out?

          The only thing that even comes to mind is when Rick Ankiel completely stopped being able to pitch a baseball.”

          Then, farther down on same page:

          “To be fair, the points about working on something and not caring about results are fair and entirely plausible. I am not of the mind that all is lost and that a comeback, even a strong comeback, is out of the question. I think Jeff Blair had a great take yesterday saying that at this point you count him out for this season. If he makes it back this year, great. But you can’t plan on it.

          The good news is they don’t have to go out and find a #1 starter. They do need to go get a #5. Waiting on Ryu gives options but it can’t be the only plan as they still need a #6 in case something else happens. But it is time to move on and put the best interests of this years team at the forefront.

          They just need to make the playoffs. At that point they only need 3 or 4 starters and if the group they have are healthy at that point then they can match up with anyone. Getting there is the challenge.

          The Jays have the best record in the American League since May 26 at 17-11. So all definitely is not lost.”

          and also there:

          Originally posted by Gridiron View Post

          Scott Mitchell
          @ScottyMitchTSN
          Talked to a couple people who had eyes on Alek Manoah’s Florida Complex League outing today and there’s not much positive to report that would say ignore the ugly line. Wasn’t great. We may still be at ground zero.​

          Mitchell also reporting that multiple sources told him Jays were upset that AM showed up at camp 30lbs over last years weight. 320 vs 290.

          twitter.com/OverDrive1050/status/16738362827436073…

          Nothing about Manoah’s struggles has been hidden:

          jaysjournal.com/posts/blue-jays-2023-report-cards-…

          “Instead, things could not possibly have gone worse for him. Manoah showed up to camp seemingly heavier than he was at the conclusion of the season prior, which brought on consistent questions surrounding his work ethic and drive to be successful in the big leagues. Sure enough, he got the Opening Day start for the Blue Jays and immediately began what would be a season-long meltdown.”

          Reply
        • Ubaldo Jimenez

          1 year ago

          Awww, sad Jays fan runs afoul of facts. Not the first time 🙂 facts are somethin’, eh?

          Reply
        • Mustard Tiger

          1 year ago

          @Mystery13 I don’t care for your attitude.

          Reply
  26. RunDMC

    1 year ago

    I see you, Steve — lol: “For the Blue Jays, the upside of keeping Manoah has clearly outweighed the temptation to pursue a change of scenery.”

    Manoah has outweighed the temptation — lol! He sure has.

    1
    Reply
  27. davemlaw

    1 year ago

    When you look at Manoah’s jump in IP from 2021 to 2022 (111 to 196) it’s no wonder he had a bad year in 2023.
    Jays would do best to ramp him back up and start him in the minors, no matter what. Best for him and the team so he can possibly return to his previous level of pitching.
    I’ve watched this kid from afar and been jealous the Jays got him; Giants drafted just ahead of Jays and took Hunter Bishop who’s been a complete bust. So if you’re a Jays fan be happy you got two amazing years and hope for the best, you could have had diddly.

    2
    Reply
  28. dave frost nhlpa

    1 year ago

    Head case and a flash in the pan.
    He will never regain what he did in 2022.

    4
    Reply
  29. kodion

    1 year ago

    The pitch clock “fixed” Kikuchi. He will pitch well enough to justify a QO!

    Reply
  30. dbacksrs

    1 year ago

    Doesn’t get rave reviews on his pitching or in the clubhouse.

    Reply
    • Jaysfansince92

      1 year ago

      There hasn’t been a single report of him being a problem in the clubhouse. To the contrary most of his teammates have spoken positively about him and are rooting for him. People are making a lot of assumptions based one report. When he didn’t report he went to get his shoulder treated for discomfort. His teammates confirmed he was having problems with it off and on all year. If he was really a problem in the clubhouse there likely would have been reports of teammates being unhappy with him.

      Reply
      • Mustard Tiger

        1 year ago

        I think some teammates are unhappy he’s been crushing the post-game spread on a nightly basis.

        Reply
  31. CTS4

    1 year ago

    I think Manoah is a Big Problem in the clubhouse , with that said, He won’t last long in MLB if he doesn’t turn it around,,,I’d give Tiedeman a chance in the 5 spot…
    Yariel Rodriguez has never pitched an inning in MLB….

    2
    Reply
  32. Viveleempireevil

    1 year ago

    Typical Jays. Should have traded him while they could have gotten a ham sandwich and a bag of balls for him. Now, they might get a bag of balls. We all know where the ham sandwich would wind up. Can’t wait to see this guy showing up in 2 weeks at 3 bills plus, still talking trash about Gerrit Cole and sticky stuff.

    1
    Reply
    • stymeedone

      1 year ago

      So, if they had traded a runner up for the Cy Young award, while he was at major league minimum, and still had 5 years of control, you wouldn’t have been one of the many fans b!+ching about it?

      Reply
    • Jaysfansince92

      1 year ago

      If you think he is showing up over 300lbs and are looking forward to it then a) You haven’t been paying attention and b) you are in for disappointment.

      There have been multiple videos posted to social media showing his workouts and a slimmed down physique. He looks much better than last season.

      Reply
  33. jimmertee

    1 year ago

    For Manoah and the #blueJays, obviously workouts are somewhat important but the key will be his diet. Is he showing up to camp the trim and fit pitching machine he was in 2022 or he is reporting to camp the bloated buffett boy he was in 2023?

    His mechanics were way off in 2023 as he was slinging the ball to the plate because he had to rotate around his belly instead of driving his upper half straight towards the plate.

    Time will tell.

    1
    Reply
    • pingston

      1 year ago

      I’ve lost nearly 30 pounds since Canadian Thanksgiving (early October) so it’s do-able. I’m a big boy, too, just not as big before or after as Manoah.

      The scales will be watched like he’s a prize fighter when he arrives in Dunedin.

      1
      Reply
  34. chemfinancing

    1 year ago

    the only reason they are “turning away” trade interest for the overweight manoah is that they are being offered less than peanuts for him

    Reply
  35. Ham Fighter

    1 year ago

    He’ll be in the rotation until after his 3rd start with a 14.00 era in 2024

    Reply
  36. obzen

    1 year ago

    Should know fairly early into the spring about manoah. If his velocity is still down and his slider isnt breaking then something is wrong.
    Seemed like the pitch clock was one of his biggest issues due to his conditioning. Alek always took a lot of time between pitches before the clock came in..almost like it messed with his mechanics enough to maybe cause his velo/ command issues.
    Hopefully he can bet somewhat back to what he was because the jays will need all the pitching they can get with the way the offseason is unfolding. Cant expect the jays starters to be as healthy and effective as they were last year

    1
    Reply
  37. OilCanLloyd

    1 year ago

    Be nice to know the teams that inquired so we could have some fun with trade scenarios.

    Reply
  38. MLBTR needs to hire editors

    1 year ago

    “The Jays, presumably, retained a lofty asking price given the affordability, remaining club control and ceiling of the pitcher.”

    “Presumably” should NEVER be in the middle of the sentence, set off by commas. Don’t interrupt the meaning of the sentence when you can easily do it this way:

    “Presumably, the Jays retained a lofty asking price given the affordability, remaining club control and ceiling of the pitcher.”

    Reply
  39. Larry Elliott

    1 year ago

    ESPN rated the minor leagues for all MLB teams. Jays ranked 24th but are in contention to be the worse organization in all of baseball if changes are not made. Poor drafting. Out of the top one hundred prospects the Jays had one at 24. The minors are a joke. Throw that in with probably the worse 5-9 hitters in base ball

    5. Schneider or Biggio
    6. Kirk or Jansen
    7. Varsho
    8. IKF
    9. Kiermaier

    Also the game should come to an abrupt halt if Turner and Kirk, two of the slowest players in baseball, are on base at the same time. No single will score these guys from 2nd.

    That idiot should be out finding more legitimate bats instead of reading his crystal ball stating that all the Jays will have better years. This team is a mess other than the starters. I wonder if any team was willing to trade players who could have helped at the plate or minor league players who have a chance of succeeding. Please Rogers get rid of this idiot and the organ grinder who controls him.

    1
    Reply
    • CTS4

      1 year ago

      @Larry Elliot …… BRAVO !!!!! Well said Again !!

      Reply
    • Theodore

      1 year ago

      Well said that’s exactly what’s wrong with us this team the guys at the top have done zero to make this team better .Especially their minor league system we’re is the wealth of talent come up

      Reply
  40. Larry Elliott

    1 year ago

    I did not mean to offend any organ grinders!

    Reply
  41. pingston

    1 year ago

    I remain of the opinion now is the time to trade Manoah and Guerrero as a package.

    I would propose a trade to Cleveland for Josh Naylor (1B, Canadian) and prospects, ideally Chase DeLauter, OF, Jaison Chourio, OF and Alex Clemmey, LHP. Jays would include some money to help pay for Guerrero.

    Naylor would more than cover the loss of Guerrero — trading one Canadian player for another.

    I like the three prospects I’ve named (obviously) but the Jays may want others.

    Guardians get two potential superstars. The Blue Jays get what they need (power and top OF and pitching prospects) and lose what they don’t need (distractions).

    Don’t know if they’re talking, but I would be..

    Reply

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