2025 was a total wash for Alek Manoah, but 2026 might not necessarily be as well.
The Atlanta Braves announced on Friday that they have claimed the former All-Star pitcher Manoah off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays. Atlanta is also transferring infielder Ozzie Albies to the 60-day injured list in order to make room for Manoah on the roster.
Manoah, the 27-year-old right-hander, was one of the hottest names of 2022. That year, Manoah earned an All-Star nod as well as an All-MLB First Team selection, going 16-7 with a 2.24 ERA and 180 strikeouts in 31 total starts. Manoah even became something of a notorious figure because of his trash talk on the mound and for sometimes even calling out opponents as cheaters.
But the wheels quickly fell off for Manoah in subsequent seasons. He had a nightmare 2023 campaign, posting a 5.87 ERA over 19 starts and even being demoted to the minor leagues at one point. Once in the minors, Manoah reportedly pouted and initially refused to report to his Triple-A team.
Manoah eventually made his way back into the big leagues but made just five starts in 2024 before going down with a season-ending UCL injury that required surgery. He has yet to make an MLB start in 2025 but posted a 2.97 ERA over seven total starts this season for Triple-A Buffalo before ultimately getting designated for assignment by the Blue Jays earlier this month.
Now with the Braves, Manoah, who is under club control through 2027, will have a chance to slowly get back on track. Assuming around the $2.2 million per year salary that he made this season, Manoah makes a lot of sense for Atlanta as a low-risk dart-throw, especially given the unusual pitching year that the 75-84 Braves have had.
