There was a time when Alek Manoah looked like he could be part of the Toronto Blue Jays’ rotation for years. He was big, confident, competitive, and seemed to enjoy pitching in the biggest moments. Blue Jays fans had plenty of reasons to believe they had found a frontline starter.

So what happened?

From Cy Young Contender to Searching for a Job

Manoah’s 2022 season was something special. He went 16–7 with a 2.24 ERA, made the American League All-Star team, and finished third in voting for the Cy Young Award. At 24, he looked like a pitcher who had arrived and was ready to stay.

Then the story changed. His control became a problem in 2023, and he struggled to find his old form. In 2024, he made just five starts before elbow surgery ended his season. For a pitcher who had once looked so dependable, the setbacks kept coming.

Toronto eventually designated Manoah for assignment in September 2025. The Atlanta Braves claimed him, but that opportunity didn’t last. The Los Angeles Angels gave him another chance with a one-year contract for 2026, hoping there might still be something to work with.

There was a brief return to the majors, but it didn’t go well. Manoah made three appearances for the Angels, posting a 9.82 ERA over 7⅓ innings. His struggles continued at Triple-A, where he recorded a 16.14 ERA in 10 starts. The Angels released him on July 29.

Is There Still a Way Back?

That’s the difficult question. Manoah is 28, not an age when a pitcher should automatically be written off. But the next opportunity won’t come simply because of what he did in Toronto four years ago. A team would need to see signs that he can command his pitches, get hitters out consistently, and give himself a chance to succeed.

Maybe that means a minor-league contract and a long road back. Maybe another opportunity never comes. Neither outcome is certain.

For Blue Jays fans, Manoah is a reminder of how quickly baseball can change. A young pitcher can go from looking like a cornerstone to fighting for another chance in just a few seasons. It’s easy to remember the disappointing ending in Toronto. I think it’s worth remembering the good years, too. Manoah gave the Blue Jays some terrific moments, and his rise wasn’t an illusion. He really was that good.

Whether he can find that pitcher again is another matter. For now, the story remains unfinished—but the next chapter is up to Manoah.

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