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Braves Claim Alek Manoah: A Second Chance for the Former Cy Young Contender
9 months agoUS
The Atlanta Braves have claimed right-handed pitcher Alek Manoah off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays. This move presents a low-risk, high-reward opportunity for the Braves, who are looking to bolster their pitching depth. Manoah, once a Cy Young contender, has struggled in recent seasons but could regain his form with a change of scenery and the Braves' support. Is this the fresh start Manoah needs to revive his career?
Key Insights
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Braves Claim Manoah:: Atlanta claims Alek Manoah off waivers from Toronto, adding a potential reclamation project to their roster.
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Manoah's Decline:: After a stellar 2022 season, Manoah's performance dipped significantly, leading to his designation for assignment by the Blue Jays.
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Low-Risk, High-Reward:: The Braves are taking a calculated gamble on Manoah, hoping he can rediscover his past success.
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Cubs' Missed Opportunity?:: Some analysts suggested the Chicago Cubs should have also considered claiming Manoah to bolster their pitching options.
Why This Matters: Manoah's acquisition provides the Braves with a potentially valuable asset at a minimal cost. If he can regain his form, he could become a key contributor to their pitching staff. For Manoah, this is a chance to resurrect his career and prove he can still compete at the highest level. The Cubs, meanwhile, might be missing a valuable opportunity to improve their team.
In-Depth Analysis
Alek Manoah burst onto the scene in 2022, finishing third in AL Cy Young voting with a 2.24 ERA. However, his performance declined sharply in subsequent seasons due to decreased velocity and command issues, including Tommy John surgery. In 2025, Manoah struggled in the minor leagues, averaging only 91 mph on his fastball.
The Braves, known for their strong pitching development, are betting that they can help Manoah regain his previous form. The move carries minimal risk, as Manoah's salary is relatively low, and he still has options, allowing him to be stashed in Triple-A if needed.
For the Cubs, the suggestion to claim Manoah highlights their need for pitching depth. While their rotation has shown promise, injuries and inconsistencies have plagued them. Taking a chance on Manoah could have provided a low-cost, high-upside option for the future. The risk is minimal, and the potential reward—a top-of-the-rotation starter—is significant.
FAQs
Why did the Blue Jays release Alek Manoah?
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A:: Manoah's performance declined significantly after 2022, and he struggled to regain his form following elbow surgery. The Blue Jays needed a 40-man roster spot and likely weren't planning to offer him a contract for the next season.
What are the Braves hoping to achieve by claiming Manoah?
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A:: The Braves are hoping to help Manoah rediscover his past success and bolster their pitching depth. It's a low-risk, high-reward move for a team known for its pitching development.
Could Manoah become a valuable asset for the Braves?
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A:: If Manoah can regain his velocity and command, he could become a key contributor to the Braves' pitching staff. His potential upside makes him worth the gamble.
Key Takeaways
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The Braves have claimed Alek Manoah, offering him a chance to revive his career.
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Manoah's past success makes him a worthwhile gamble for the Braves, who are known for their pitching development.
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The Cubs were urged to consider claiming Manoah, highlighting their need for pitching depth and potential reclamation projects.
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Keep an eye on Manoah's progress with the Braves, as he could become a valuable asset if he regains his form.
Discussion
Do you think Alek Manoah will regain his status as a top-tier pitcher with the Braves? Let us know your thoughts!
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