Toronto Blue Jays make surprising move that could see Manoah leave the organization

He was once the most promising pitcher in the Toronto Blue Jays organization.

Now, he could be seeing his tenure with the team come to an end.

The Blue Jays announced on Tuesday that they are designating 27-year-old pitcher Alek Manoah for assignment. The Homestead, Florida, native was designated for assignment to make room for Anthony Santander on the Blue Jays roster.

Manoah was an All-Star for Toronto in 2022, but his career took a turn for the worse following that season. He went from being a Cy Young finalist to a minor-leaguer. Manoah then underwent Tommy John surgery in June 2024 and hasn’t pitched for the Blue Jays since.

Alek Manoah will always be a Toronto Blue Jays legend, one of the absolute easiest guys to root for, had such an amazing and fun to watch attitude while pitching, and had one of the truly transcendent pitching seasons the franchise has ever seen.pic.twitter.com/ISlIa8b9UC

— Evan Benet (@EvanBenet1) September 23, 2025

Recently, Manoah looked like he was on a path to return to Toronto. He posted a 2.97 ERA during his rehab assignment with the Buffalo Bisons and was activated from the 60-day injured list on Sept. 11.

Any team in Major League Baseball can claim Manoah, as long as they’re willing to take on his $2.2-million contract. He could be sent to the minors if he doesn’t get claimed; however, he already refused assignment once, back in 2023.

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