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The Chicago Cubs have been no strangers to poaching reclamation projects during the offseason, and an opportunity to get a former Cy Young finalist may have fallen into their lap. In activating Anthony Santander from the 60-day IL on Tuesday, the Toronto Blue Jays have designated starting pitcher Alek Manoah for assignment. Manoah will now be placed on waivers this week as teams have a chance to begin their offseason shopping early.
After the 2022 season, Manoah appeared to be on the ascent toward being one of the top starting pitchers in the American League. Making 31 starts, posting a 2.24 ERA in 196 and 1/3 innings pitched while tallying 180 strikeouts, Manoah was third in American League Cy Young award voting in 2022.
No one could have predicted what was to come for Manoah in 2023, posting a 5.87 ERA in 19 starts. At one point, the Blue Jays optioned Manoah to the rookie complex league with the hope that his regression was tied to something mechanical. Manoah returned to the Blue Jays' rotation in 2024, and looked to be on track, posting a 3.70 ERA in his first 5 starts, but a shoulder injury wiped out most of his season.
Mahoah did not return to the Major League level with the Blue Jays this season, and as he ramped back up from shoulder surgery, the 27-year-old posted an ERA of 2.97 in 7 starts with Toronto's Triple-A affiliate.
DFA’d Cy Young finalist could be Cubs’ ideal gamble
Obviously, we are past the point where Manoah could be an option for the Cubs this season. That said, if claimed, the Cubs would have control over the right-hander through the 2027 season. Manoah earned $2.2MM this season with the Blue Jays, and that likely will be his price tag for the 2026 season, considering he hasn't pitched at the Major League level since 2024.
The Cubs almost always have an eye on reclamation projects during the offseason, and at a low cost, Manoah could be a worthwhile gamble. If the Cubs can fix him, they have a clear top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher. If not, they can end the experiment in a similar way that the Blue Jays did.