Alek Manoah insists he was “a very big piece” of Toronto’s World Series run despite sitting out; now rebuilding after Tommy John surgery and a 2024 release, he’s showing improved velocity in Angels camp. Betting angle: expect cautious market action — avoid season-win props early; consider short-term strikeout/velocity-based props or unders on starts until he proves health and consistency.
Alek Manoah: “A very big piece” of the Blue Jays’ World Series push
Alek Manoah says he still feels intimately connected to Toronto’s deep playoff run and believes he played “a very big piece” in the club’s journey to the MLB World Series. Though he wasn’t on the postseason roster, Manoah described the players as close friends and said he rooted for them “100%,” calling many teammates “brothers.”
From breakout to setback: the decline after 2022
Manoah rose fast after an All-Star season and a third-place finish in AL Cy Young voting in 2022, but the next year brought struggles and a demotion to the minors. He hasn’t appeared in a major-league game since May 2024, a stretch that included mounting performance issues and injury complications.
Injury timeline and roster consequences
In June 2024 Manoah underwent Tommy John surgery and did not pitch again for Toronto. The club released him in September following rehab appearances at Triple-A Buffalo. He was later claimed on waivers by Atlanta but never threw for the big-league club before being non-tendered and reaching free agency.
New opportunity with the Angels
Manoah signed a one-year, $1.95 million deal with the Los Angeles Angels that is reported to be fully guaranteed. He says he’s trying to change the narrative around his career, framing setbacks as perspective-building: he’s focused on routine, daily work, and using adversity to expand his platform and influence.
Spring training form and outlook
Reports from spring camp indicate Manoah’s fastball velocity is up compared with last year, and he’s shown encouraging signs in bullpen work. He admits it’s been two years since his last big-league appearance but stresses patience and process, believing the dips and injuries will ultimately magnify his platform.
What this means for the Angels and bettors
For the Angels, Manoah represents a low-cost gamble on reclaiming frontline talent: if velocity and command return, he could move quickly up the depth chart.
For bettors, the prudent play is to temper expectations early — avoid season-long win/ERA props until he logs healthy innings.
More attractive short-term wagers include strikeout props, velocity-driven over/unders, or small-stakes futures once spring performance stabilizes.
Toronto Sun
