The “shocking move by the Braves” has created an unexpected twist: right-handed pitcher Alek Manoah is now a free agent, sparking surprise rumors about a potential reunion that could provide a major boost to the Toronto Blue Jays’ rotation plans.
The turn of events—from Cy Young finalist to waived by Toronto, to being non-tendered by Atlanta—has made the former Blue Jays ace one of the most intriguing reclamation projects this offseason.
📉 The Shocking Move: Braves Non-Tender Manoah
The Atlanta Braves officially declined to tender a contract to Alek Manoah ahead of the non-tender deadline (Source 1.1). This decision was surprising given the Braves just claimed Manoah off waivers from the Blue Jays in late September:
- The Cost: Manoah was projected to earn approximately $\text{\$2.2}$ million through the arbitration process for 2026 (Source 2.2).
- The Risk vs. Reward: The Braves determined that guaranteeing $\text{\$2.2}$ million to a pitcher who is recovering from Tommy John surgery (Source 1.2) and has not pitched in the majors since May 2024 was too high a risk, especially since he has a high potential salary down the road if he recovers his elite form. The move was designed to free up a 40-man roster spot and save money (Source 2.5).
🔄 The Reunion Rumors: Back to the North
The unexpected twist is that Manoah’s status as a free agent now opens the door for a return to the team that drafted and developed him—the Toronto Blue Jays:
- Jays’ Need: While the Blue Jays have Shane Bieber, José Berríos, and Kevin Gausman, they still need to find at least one reliable, workhorse-type starter to fill the fifth spot and build depth (Source 3.1).
- The Bargain: Manoah’s projected arbitration figure of $\text{\$2.2}$ million—which the Braves refused to pay—is now the basis for a potential minor league contract or a low-cost, non-guaranteed deal with the Blue Jays (Source 1.2). This would allow Toronto to kick the tires on a potential former ace without significant financial risk.
- The Familiarity: Manoah spent four seasons with the Blue Jays, including a 2022 campaign where he was an All-Star and finished third in Cy Young voting (Source 2.3). The club knows his mechanics, his personality, and what made him successful. A reunion would offer him a familiar environment to continue his comeback from Tommy John surgery.
- Minor League Options: A key benefit for the Blue Jays is that Manoah still has minor league options remaining, giving the team maximum flexibility to develop him slowly in Triple-A Buffalo without needing to keep him on the active roster (Source 1.4).
While the Blue Jays previously designated Manoah for assignment in September 2025, the team has a clear need, and Manoah’s sudden free-agent status at a bargain price makes a reunion a highly intriguing and logical move for both parties.
