Angels Sign Alex Manoah, Hoping to Revive Former All-Star Pitcher
The Los Angeles Angels are taking a chance on right-handed pitcher Alex Manoah, signing him to a one-year, $1.95 million deal as they continue their team rebuild. The deal, first reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan, brings the former All-Star to Southern California, a fitting location given his career’s dramatic ups and downs.
From Rising Star to Rebuilding Project
Manoah’s journey to the Angels has been anything but linear. After being selected 11th overall by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 2019 draft, he quickly ascended through the minor league system. He made a splash in his 2021 MLB debut against the New York Yankees, delivering six innings of two-hit ball with seven strikeouts. The following year, 2022, saw him truly break out, posting a stellar 16-7 record with a 2.24 ERA and 180 strikeouts.
That performance earned him his first and, to date, only All-Star selection, where he captivated audiences while mic’d up during the game. He even garnered down-ballot MVP votes and finished third in the Cy Young Award race.
However, the success proved fleeting. The 2023 season saw a sharp decline, with Manoah struggling to a 1-7 record and a 6.36 ERA. He was subsequently sent to the minor leagues, not just to Triple-A, but to the Florida Complex League, a move designed to allow him to rebuild his mechanics and confidence without the pressure of the major leagues. A brief return to the big leagues yielded a 2-2 record with a 4.91 ERA over seven starts, but ultimately wasn’t enough to secure his place on the roster.
Tommy John Surgery and a New Beginning
The 2024 season brought further setbacks. Manoah made five starts for Toronto before undergoing Tommy John surgery to repair his ulnar collateral ligament. Following his rehabilitation, the Blue Jays designated him for assignment in September, and he was claimed by the Atlanta Braves – though he never pitched for them. Now, he finds himself with the Angels, seeking a fresh start.
The Angels, who finished 29th in fWAR, FIP, ERA, and 24th in strikeouts/nine in 2025, are clearly focused on bolstering their pitching staff. They recently hired former Texas Rangers pitching coach Mike Maddux and acquired pitcher Grayson Rodriguez in a trade with the Baltimore Orioles. Both Manoah and Rodriguez are expected to compete for spots in the Angels’ starting rotation alongside Yusei Kikuchi, José Soriano, and Reid Detmers.
A Low-Risk, High-Reward Gamble
Despite the recent struggles, the Angels see potential in Manoah. According to Fangraphs, he still possesses a 50 “Future Value” rating, with a 60-grade fastball and a 60/70-grade slider. The team is betting that a change of scenery and the guidance of Maddux can unlock the form that made him an All-Star in 2022.
“They are taking a flier on a pitcher who has reasonably strong upside,” one analyst noted.
The deal is structured as a low-risk proposition, with no obligations beyond 2026. As the winter meetings approach in Orlando, Florida, and with three months remaining before spring training, the Angels have ample time to finalize their roster and potentially give veteran outfielder Mike Trout another opportunity to compete in the postseason. Adding a player with Manoah’s potential, even as a “lottery ticket,” represents a positive step forward for a team still striving for competitiveness.
