Alek Manoah's 2023 season has been nothing short of disastrous on the ballpark, but the Blue Jays pitcher has made great moves to refocus on scoring and, most importantly, he is surrounded very well.
After the 2022 Cy Young Trophy finalist was sent to the minors twice without much success, his teammates and the Queen City staff could have easily thrown in the towel. However, there was no shortage of transaction rumors.
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However, head coach John Schneider and general manager Ross Atkins still consider Manoah a diamond in the rough. Like everyone else, he will get his chance at next training camp and a spot in the rotation could be reserved for him.
“I hope he can regain his 2022 form. “Alek is really part of our plans and he will have every chance to win a position,” the manager said, according to the Toronto Sun newspaper in November.
“It's easy to believe in him,” Atkins also said at the general managers meeting in Arizona. He is super motivated. He and I feel like this year was an exception. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for Alek, not just next year but the rest as well.”
A relationship that hasn't changed
Manoah was a thorn in the Blue Jays' side with a 5.87 ERA and a 3-9 record. Toronto could undoubtedly have hoped for better results in the standings and playoffs as their top team is in great shape. The fact is that his teammates never held it against him.
Several of them came to celebrate his wedding with him earlier this month. The colorful celebration was well documented by Manoah and his wife on social media.
“I don't think the relationship [avec ses coéquipiers] has already changed. I understand that it might be frustrating for Alek in his few more difficult weeks and months. He’s so competitive, so he was frustrated with the demotion and all that,” Schneider said.
The 25-year-old American has not spoken to the media since the end of the election campaign. We may have to wait until mid-February for pitchers and catchers to report to Jays camp.
Manoah's 2023 campaign ended in August as he required multiple injections in his right arm. If healed well, he could once again become a weapon for the Jays, who will have high expectations next season.