NEW YORK — The Yankees are hot on the heel of the Blue Jays for the AL East crown. Meanwhile, the Toronto, unnerved or not, took a decision that could have ripples beyond this season.
The baseball world witnessed a stunning development Tuesday night when the Toronto Blue Jays made a move that left fans scratching their heads. Just hours before their crucial game against Boston, the organization quietly announced a roster decision that sent shockwaves through the American League East.
A former All-Star pitcher who once commanded national attention now finds himself in baseball limbo. The same arm that helped carry Toronto’s playoff hopes just three seasons ago was suddenly deemed expendable in the franchise’s most critical stretch.
But this story contains a twist that nobody saw coming.
When promising careers take unexpected turns
The Blue Jays designated Alek Manoah for assignment on Tuesday, clearing roster space for veteran slugger Anthony Santander’s return from the 60-day injured list. The decision marked an abrupt end to what many believed would be a triumphant comeback story.
General Manager Ross Atkins faced reporters during the seventh inning of Toronto’s 4-1 loss to Boston, visibly struggling with the announcement.
“These are always tough decisions,” Atkins explained in the Rogers Centre press box. “This just came down to a roster crunch and us feeling like this was the best decision for us to hold depth and support this staff as we push forward into very important weeks.”
The executive’s discomfort was palpable. “We chose others over him,” he admitted, later adding an apology that spoke volumes: “Sorry, we’re at this point today.”
Manager John Schneider echoed the sentiment during his postgame press conference. “Going back a few years, Alek has been right in the thick of a lot of things that went really well for us. I give him all the credit in the world for working his tail off to get back.”
The meteoric rise that captivated baseball
Manoah’s fall becomes more dramatic when measured against his incredible ascent. The 27-year-old right-hander once stood as Toronto’s future ace alongside Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette, forming a trio that embodied the franchise’s bright future.
His 2021 debut earned eighth place in AL Rookie of the Year voting. The following season proved even more spectacular, with Manoah posting a 16-7 record and 2.24 ERA across nearly 200 innings. That performance landed him third in AL Cy Young voting and established him among baseball’s elite starters.
The 6-foot-6, 285-pound pitcher became a fan favorite with his brash personality and fearless mound presence. Across his first two seasons, Manoah accumulated a 2.60 ERA in 308 innings, numbers that suggested sustained excellence lay ahead.
Career totals still impress: 29-20 record with a 3.34 ERA and 412 strikeouts over four major league seasons. Yet those numbers mask a troubling decline that began in 2023.
The Yankees controversy that changed everything
Manoah’s career trajectory altered dramatically after comments that ignited one of baseball’s most heated rivalries. During a 2022 appearance on Serge Ibaka’s YouTube show “How Hungry Are You?”, the Blue Jays pitcher delivered a response that would haunt his professional relationship within the American League East.
When asked about baseball’s worst cheater, Manoah didn’t hesitate: “Gerrit Cole. He used a lot of sticky stuff to make his pitches better…and he kind of got called out on it.”
Those words revived the sticky substance scandal that MLB had moved past, placing the Yankees ace back in an uncomfortable spotlight. The comments ignited social media and deepened the Yankees-Blue Jays rivalry.
When reporters pressed Manoah about his statements before a crucial series in April 2023, he refused to backtrack despite carrying an ugly 6.98 ERA. “I said what I said,” Manoah declared.
The feud traced back to an August 2022 incident when Manoah hit Aaron Judge with a pitch. Cole emerged from the Yankees dugout to voice his displeasure, prompting Manoah to issue a challenge that became legendary among fans.
“If Gerrit wants to do something, he can walk past the Audi sign next time,” Manoah said, referring to the advertisement near the Yankees home dugout. “We’ll see what happens.”
Medical setbacks derail comeback hopes
Manoah’s 2023 struggles continued into 2024, despite showing promise during a brief return. He managed just five starts before suffering a UCL tear that required Tommy John surgery in June 2024.
The rehabilitation process consumed his entire 2025 season. Manoah spent the year at Triple-A Buffalo, compiling a 2.97 ERA across seven starts. However, advanced metrics revealed troubling trends beneath the surface numbers.
His fastball velocity averaged just 91 mph during the minor league stint, down from his previous 93 mph baseline. Multiple scouts noted he failed to throw a single pitch over 93 mph in his final three Triple-A outings.
The plot twist nobody expected
Here’s where the story takes an extraordinary turn. Despite the bitter history and public feuding, sources suggest the New York Yankees could extend a spring training invitation to the same pitcher who branded their ace as baseball’s worst cheater.
Yankees insider Joe Randazzo reports the organization will likely invite Manoah to their Tampa facility for the 2026 season. The potential reunion would represent one of baseball’s most shocking developments.
The move wouldn’t lack precedent. The Yankees previously acquired Josh Donaldson in a trade, despite the third baseman making similar accusations about Cole’s alleged sticky substance use.
Manoah remains under team control through 2028 and possesses two remaining minor league options, making him an attractive reclamation project despite the personal history.
Free agency decision awaits
Manoah now enters baseball’s waiver system, where any team can claim him for the remainder of his contract. If he clears waivers unclaimed, he possesses enough service time to elect free agency.
Most players in similar situations choose free agency to control their destination, forfeiting only about $60,000 in remaining salary this late in the season.
The Yankees connection represents baseball’s ultimate test of professional maturity. Whether Manoah can resurrect his career in pinstripes while sharing a clubhouse with Cole would provide one of the sport’s most compelling redemption narratives.
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
The guy spoke his mind and at least didn’t back down. He said what others had been thinking. Cole doesn’t have to be buddy buddy with him just be a teammate with one goal….to win!!