According to general manager Ross Atkins, the chances of seeing Alek Manoah in the Toronto Blue Jays’ pitching rotation in 2024 are excellent.
The baseball player seems convinced that the Cy Young candidate can regain his level of play in 2022 after a disastrous season. Manoah was promoted from opener to minor league in a matter of months.
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The 25-year-old had a 5.87 ERA and a 3-9 record. He had to work on his pitching in the Florida Complex League in June before returning to the Jays after a month. Because he was still struggling, he was demoted to the AAA ranks, but his season there ended because he received multiple injections in his right arm.
“It’s easy to believe in him,” Atkins said at Tuesday’s general managers meeting in Arizona, according to Sportsnet. 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.”
In 2022, Manoah became the Jays’ ace with a 2.24 ERA and a 16-7 record. He finished third in American League Cy Young Award voting. Based on his past successes, Atkins believes he can continue to provide service to Toronto.
“I think he’s already earned a spot in the rotation. I really feel like he can get back to the 2021-2022 version of himself,” he said confidently.
Manoah is eligible for salary arbitration for the next four campaigns. He won’t become a free agent until 2028.