A New Chapter in Anaheim
Alek Manoah’s career has been a rollercoaster, and now he is embarking on a new journey with the Los Angeles Angels. According to MLB.com, Manoah has agreed to a one-year, $1.95 million contract with the Angels, marking a significant step in his career reboot. Both the Angels and Manoah will be hoping for a complete turnaround, as the former Blue Jays pitcher once stood out as a potential ace. The Angels, known for their strategic moves, see potential in Manoah, and this deal represents a calculated risk that could pay off handsomely if his performance returns to its former glory.
From Rising Star to Uncertain Future
Rewind to 2022, and Alek Manoah was a finalist for the AL Cy Young Award. At just 24 years old, he was a shining example of Toronto’s promising young talent, posting a stellar 2.26 ERA in his second season with the Blue Jays. Manoah’s ability to command the strike zone and his overpowering fastball made him a key figure in Toronto’s rotation. However, the following year, 2023, saw an unprecedented decline in his performance. His ERA ballooned to 5.87, making him nearly unplayable for a team chasing a playoff spot. Despite speculation of an underlying injury, MRIs revealed no structural damage. The season ended with Manoah receiving injections, but the damage to his reputation and career trajectory was already significant.
A Rocky Road to Recovery
2024 was initially promising for Manoah, as he returned to form in the first five starts of the season. However, fate dealt him another blow when he tore his UCL (ulnar collateral ligament) and required surgery. This injury kept him sidelined for the remainder of the year, and he didn’t pitch again until August 2025. Despite a solid 2.97 ERA in seven starts for Triple-A Buffalo, the Blue Jays decided to waive Manoah, marking the end of a tumultuous chapter in his career. The Atlanta Braves picked him up off waivers but non-tendered him last month, leaving Manoah’s future uncertain.
A Second Chance in Anaheim
The Angels’ decision to sign Manoah is a testament to their belief in his potential to regain his form. While the risk is high, the reward could be immense. Manoah’s 2022 performance, if even partially recaptured, would make this contract a bargain. The Angels are known for their willingness to invest in talent, and Manoah represents a high-risk, high-reward opportunity. The organization will need to provide him with the right environment and support to help him rediscover his mojo. This move also aligns with the Angels’ broader strategy to bolster their pitching staff, which struggled mightily in the 2025 season.
Reshaping the Rotation
The Angels’ acquisition of Manoah is part of a larger plan to revamp their starting rotation. Last month, they traded for Grayson Rodriguez, another promising pitcher who is also coming back from major elbow surgery. The addition of these two young, once-promising arms showcases the Angels’ commitment to building a rotation that can compete at the highest level. While both Manoah and Rodriguez are unproven commodities at this point, their potential to return to form could revolutionize the Angels’ pitching staff and make them a formidable force in the AL.
Looking Ahead
The Angels and Alek Manoah have a lot to prove in 2026. For Manoah, this contract represents a second chance to show the world what he is capable of. For the Angels, it is an opportunity to strengthen their rotation and solidify their position in the highly competitive American League. The journey ahead is uncertain, but the potential for a successful comeback is tantalizing. If Manoah can rediscover his 2022 form, the Angels will have struck gold with this one-year deal. Only time will tell, but the stage is set for a compelling narrative to unfold in Anaheim.
