Braves Secure Alek Manoah in Landmark MLB Trade Deal with Blue Jays

news">
September 26,2025

Braves Claim Manoah,Albies to Injured List

The Atlanta Braves have bolstered their pitching options by claiming Right-Hander Mike Manoah off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays. The transaction was announced by both organizations on Thursday, september 26, 2025. To create a roster space for Manoah, Atlanta has transferred infielder Ozzie Albies to the 60-day injured list.

A Former Cy Young Contender Seeks Revival

At 27 years old, Mike Manoah, once a leading Cy Young Award candidate, has experienced a decline in recent seasons. His standout year came in 2022 when he logged 196 2/3 innings across 31 starts for the Blue Jays, posting a 2.24 earned run average. while statistically notable, advanced metrics suggested his success wasn’t entirely sustainable, wiht a 3.35 FIP and 3.85 SIERA. He ultimately finished third in American League Cy Young voting that season.

The following year, 2023, marked a meaningful downturn in performance. Manoah was demoted to the minor leagues in June after compiling a 6.36 ERA in his initial 13 starts. His strikeout rate diminished to 17%, while his walk rate soared to 14.9%.Despite brief returns to the major league roster, he concluded the year with a 5.87 ERA in 19 starts.

Recent Setbacks and Current Status

prior to the 2024 season,trade discussions involving Manoah surfaced,but a deal never materialized. He faced a setback early in the season due to shoulder soreness, delaying his start. Upon his return in May, he delivered five relatively solid performances with a 3.70 ERA, but ultimately underwent Tommy john surgery, sidelining him for the remainder of the year.

in 2025, manoah has been working to regain his form in the minor leagues, but his performance has been underwhelming.Across 38 2/3 innings, he has a 3.96 ERA, coupled with a 19.6% strikeout rate and a concerning 12.8% walk rate. His fastball velocity has also decreased, averaging 91 miles per hour-a drop from the 94 mph he consistently reached during his 2022 peak.

year	Team	ERA	Strikeout Rate	Walk Rate
2022	Toronto Blue Jays	2.24	22.9%	6.5%
2023	Toronto Blue Jays	5.87	17.0%	14.9%
2025 (Minors)	Toronto Blue Jays	3.96	19.6%	12.8%

Manoah is in the first year of a three-year arbitration period and is currently earning $2.2 million. Due to his lack of major league playing time this season, he is projected to receive a similar salary next year.The Blue Jays freed up a 40-man roster spot by designating Manoah for assignment following the reinstatement of Anthony Santander from the 60-day injured list.

A Low-Risk, High-Reward Opportunity for Atlanta

Industry analysts view Manoah as a relatively low-risk acquisition for any team, given his affordable salary-estimated between $2 million and $3 million. Veteran pitchers like Kyle Hendricks and Wade Miley secured similar contracts last offseason. If Manoah can recapture some of his former velocity, he presents an upside, particularly with potential contract control through 2027. His remaining options also provide the Braves with the flexibility to assign him to Triple-A if his progress is insufficient.

Interestingly, several teams passed on claiming Manoah after the Blue Jays made him available.Considering Atlanta ultimately secured the claim-waivers are processed in reverse order of team standings-it’s noteworthy that teams like the Rockies, white Sox, Nationals, Twins, pirates, and angels all did not make a bid.The Rockies, in particular, are facing pitching challenges, with a team ERA of 6.02 this season, making the decision to pass on Manoah somewhat surprising.

The Waiver Wire: A Strategic landscape

The Major League Baseball waiver wire system is a complex process designed to allow teams to acquire players from other organizations. Teams submit waiver claims in reverse order of their regular-season standings. if multiple teams claim a player, a “bidding” process ensues, where teams can increase their bids. The process allows teams to address roster needs in a cost-effective manner, particularly for players who might be undervalued or recovering from injuries. It’s a crucial part of roster management, offering opportunity and signals of team priorities.

Frequently asked questions about Mike Manoah

• What is Mike Manoah’s current team? Mike Manoah is now a member of the Atlanta Braves after being claimed off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays.
• What was Mike Manoah’s ERA in his breakout 2022 season? He posted a remarkable 2.24 ERA during the 2022 season with the Toronto Blue Jays.
• What led to Mike Manoah’s decline in performance? A combination of factors, including injury (shoulder soreness) and a decrease in velocity, contributed to his recent struggles.
• What is the benefit of the Braves claiming Mike Manoah? The Braves acquire a perhaps valuable pitching asset at a relatively low cost, with the possibility of Manoah regaining his previous form.
• What is the significance of the 60-day injured list? being on the 60-day injured list frees up a 40-man roster spot, allowing teams to make other roster moves, such as claiming a player off waivers.
• How does the waiver claim process work in MLB? Teams claim players in reverse order of their standings, and if multiple teams claim the same player, a bidding process begins.
• What are Manoah’s arbitration details? Manoah is in the first year of a three-year arbitration period and currently earns $2.2 million.

What do you think of the Braves’ acquisition? Do you believe Manoah can return to his previous form in Atlanta?

Share your thoughts in the comments below and share this article with fellow baseball fans!

What potential impact could Manoah have on the Braves’ postseason chances, considering his recent performance fluctuations?

The Trade Details: Atlanta Braves Acquire Pitching Ace

In a stunning move that has sent ripples through Major League Baseball, the Atlanta Braves have acquired right-handed pitcher Alek Manoah from the Toronto Blue Jays. The trade,finalized late today,sees the Braves sending a package including highly-touted prospect Kyle Brnovich and two players too be named later to Toronto. This blockbuster deal significantly bolsters the Braves’ already formidable pitching rotation as they push towards another postseason run. The acquisition of Manoah addresses a key need for Atlanta – a consistent,high-caliber starter.

Manoah’s Career Trajectory & Scouting Report

Alek Manoah, 26, quickly established himself as a dominant force in MLB after being drafted 11th overall by the Blue Jays in 2019.

* 2021 Breakthrough: Manoah’s impressive debut season in 2021 saw him post a 3.22 ERA across 22 starts, finishing third in American League Rookie of the Year voting.

* 2022 All-Star Season: He continued his ascent in 2022, earning his first All-Star selection and finishing with a 2.24 ERA in 25 starts.

* Recent Performance & Concerns: While Manoah’s 2023 and early 2024 seasons were hampered by inconsistencies and a brief stint in the minor leagues, his raw talent remains undeniable.Scouts consistently praise his powerful fastball, devastating slider, and improving changeup. Concerns surrounding his command and consistency are acknowledged, but the Braves believe their pitching coaches can unlock his full potential.

* Key Stats (Career): 3.71 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 558 strikeouts in 587.1 innings pitched.

Impact on the Braves’ Rotation

The addition of Manoah promptly elevates the Braves’ starting pitching staff, already considered one of the league’s best.

1. Strengthened Top Tier: Alongside spencer Strider and Max Fried,Manoah forms a formidable top three,creating a significant advantage in crucial matchups.
2. Postseason Potential: A healthy and consistent Manoah provides a reliable option for the postseason, addressing a previous area of vulnerability.
3. depth & Flexibility: The trade provides the Braves with valuable depth, allowing for greater flexibility in managing their rotation throughout the long season.
4. Competition & Betterment: The increased competition within the rotation is expected to push all pitchers to perform at their best.

What Does This Mean for the Blue Jays?

For the Blue Jays, the trade signifies a shift in strategy. While losing a player of Manoah’s caliber is a blow, the acquisition of Kyle Brnovich, a top-100 prospect known for his high velocity and strikeout potential, offers a promising return.

* Brnovich’s Profile: Brnovich,a right-handed pitcher,is projected to be a mid-rotation starter with the potential to develop into an ace.

* Future Considerations: The players to be named later could further enhance the Blue Jays’ farm system, providing valuable assets for future trades or internal progress.

* Addressing Long-Term Needs: The Blue Jays appear to be prioritizing building a sustainable pipeline of young talent, even if it means sacrificing immediate gains.

Analyzing the Braves’ Strategy: A Contender’s Move

The braves’ aggressive pursuit of Manoah underscores their commitment to winning now.They are clearly prioritizing adding impact players to maximize their championship window.This trade aligns with a broader trend in MLB where teams are increasingly willing to trade prospects for established talent, notably pitching. The Braves’ front office, consistently lauded for its analytical approach and shrewd decision-making, has once again demonstrated its ability to identify and acquire players who can contribute to a championship-caliber team. The team’s current standing in the national league East, coupled with their strong playoff history, made them an attractive destination for a player like Manoah seeking a winning environment.

Potential Challenges & Considerations

Despite the excitement surrounding the trade, several challenges remain.

* Manoah’s Consistency: The Braves must address the inconsistencies that plagued Manoah in recent seasons.

* Integration into the System: Successfully integrating Manoah into the Braves’ pitching infrastructure will be crucial.

* Health & Durability: Monitoring Manoah’s health and workload will be essential to ensure his long-term success.

* brnovich’s Development: The Blue jays will need to nurture Brnovich’s development to realize his full potential.