Right-handed pitcher Alek Manoah has reached a one-year, $1.95 million agreement with the Los Angeles Angels, according to a report by ESPN’s Jeff Passan. The deal follows a challenging period for the 27-year-old Manoah, who was non-tendered by the Atlanta Braves last month and is now securing a spot on a major league contract with the Angels.
Manoah’s trajectory in recent years has seen a notable decline. Once a Cy Young contender with the Toronto Blue Jays, where he posted an impressive 16-7 record and a 2.24 ERA in 2022, his performance took a downturn. The following season started poorly for him, resulting in a 1-7 record and a troubling 6.36 ERA, prompting a demotion to the Rookie League. After rejoining the Blue Jays in July, he managed to achieve a modest 2-2 record with a 4.91 ERA in seven starts before being optioned back to Triple-A in August.
In the 2024 season, Manoah struggled to regain his form, going 1-2 with a 3.70 ERA across five starts before undergoing elbow surgery, which effectively ended his season. Following rehabilitation with Triple-A Buffalo, he recorded a decent 1-1 record with a 2.97 ERA over seven starts, although he allowed a concerning number of home runs—six out of 27 hits.
As Manoah transitions to the Angels, there is cautious optimism that this new chapter will aid him in reclaiming his previous success. With a full commitment from the Angels, he may have the opportunity to rediscover his peak performance and contribute significantly to their rotation in the upcoming season.