The Atlanta Braves continue their strategic preparations for the offseason by making calculated moves in the waiver market. After recently securing infielder Ha-Seong Kim, the Braves have now claimed right-handed pitcher Alek Manoah off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays, placing him onto their 40-man roster. This decision follows a calculated roster adjustment that saw Ozzie Albies moved to the 60-Day IL, creating an opportunity to bring Manoah into the fold.
Alek Manoah, a promising pitcher with a noteworthy history, has not seen action since the 2024 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. His last appearances amounted to just 24.1 innings over five starts before the surgical procedure. Prior to his injury, Manoah experienced a challenging 2023 season, posting a 5.87 ERA and a 6.01 FIP, highlighting a downturn from his prior form. Despite being activated by the Blue Jays earlier this month, he was relegated to their Triple-A team, bypassing the opportunity to contribute to Toronto’s playoff ambitions.
However, Manoah’s potential remains an enticing factor for the Braves. His previous successful stints reflect a promising trajectory, which was interrupted by injuries. In his rookie season in 2021, Manoah pitched 111.2 innings with a commendable 3.22 ERA, and subsequent performances in 2022 saw him nearly completing 200 innings with an impressive 2.24 ERA. His standout season in 2022 earned him recognition as he finished third in AL Cy Young voting, participated in the All-Star Game, and received MVP votes.
For the Braves, Manoah’s addition represents a low-risk, high-reward scenario where his past success could prove invaluable should he regain his form post-rehabilitation. This strategic acquisition could bolster their pitching depth, making the Braves even more competitive in the upcoming seasons.