Struggling Blue Jays Ace Sees Another Setback as Trade Rumors Surface, Signaling an Unfortunate Toronto Departure

Mere days after his rival Gerrit Cole won his first CY Young Award, Alek Manoah has another task on his hands. The 2022 Cy Young finalist has had a terrible 2023 till now. Manoah was a shadow of his last season, with injuries and lack of consistency plaguing his playing abilities. Earlier in the offseason, the Toronto Blue Jays showed belief in Manoah and all seemed well for him. But with the latest reports saying that the Jays are open to trading him, things may have taken a big left turn for the pitcher.

Manoah has been working tremendously hard to get back in shape and forget the nightmare 2023 was on an individual level. But for him, the nightmare may still be on as the Blue Jays may choose to trade him away. So, which team is really interested in bringing Manoah to their roster?

Why the Toronto Blue Jays might trade Alek Manoah?

Manoah was in impeccable form during 2021 and 2022. While in his first year, he had an ERA of 3.22 and was one of the star rookies of that season. The next year, in 2022, he came to his own with an ERA of 2.24. These were elite numbers, and the team expected him to improve on them, but then something unexpected happened.

Instead of improving his performance, Manoah couldn’t even maintain them. He was in a constant state of free fall during the entirety of 2023. The ace couldn’t keep players from reaching the base as he gave away 59 walks, the most in his career till now. The biggest problem, however, was that he just couldn’t strike out as effectively as he did in the past.

As a result, the Blue Birds demoted him to the minor leagues, and that strained their relationship. Manoah reportedly refused to return to the main team as this demotion hurt him. Gradually, their relations improved, but his form remained the same. Now, according to the Athletic, the Blue Jays might be open to trading the 25-year-old.

This might come as a shock for Manoah, who has been posting videos of his training on his social media accounts. The pitcher who looks visibly leaner is trying to change his entire playing style, but these trade rumors could cause him to scratch his head. Especially as the GM showed his belief in him in a recent press meet. Does the team actually believe in him or not is what he must be wondering?

GM Ross Atkins believes in Manoah and possible candidate for his trade

In a press meeting, the GM Ross Atkins showed his immense belief in Manoah. He said, “He’s easy to believe in. He’s hyper-motivated. I feel like and he feels like that this year was an exception. I’m really looking forward to what’s ahead for Alek, not just this year but for years to come.” Atkins went on to say that Manoah” has earned, already, the right to have a strong leg up [in the competition for the fifth starter spot]. I feel so good about him returning back to the 2021, and 2022 version of himself.”

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But maybe it seems that the Blue Jays might try to lower their risk. Reportedly, the St. Louis Cardinals have been asking the Blue Jays about Alek Manoah for quite some time now, as they are looking to strengthen their bullpen. Could they succeed in getting their hands on the talented pitcher? Maybe a change of scenery could benefit the 25-year-old as he looks to come back stronger.

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