The Braves added an intriguing piece to their pitching mix on Friday, claiming right-hander Alek Manoah off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays. In a corresponding move, the team moved infielder Ozzie Albies to the 60-day injured list, which cleared a 40-man roster spot for Manoah.
After a solid rookie season in 2021, Manoah, 27, fully broke out as a sophomore, going 16-7 with a 2.24 ERA in 31 starts. He was an All-Star, finished third in AL Cy Young Award voting and even received down-ballot Most Valuable Player votes.
Manoah struggled mightily in 2023, however, earning a midseason trip to the Minors while posting a 3-9 record with a 5.87 ERA in 19 starts. Manoah struggled with shoulder issues in '24 before succumbing to Tommy John surgery. Manoah posted a 3.96 ERA in 38 2/3 Minor League innings while attempting to work his way back to Toronto.
Manoah, who has two years of arbitration eligibility left, is the latest in a series of pitching claims made by the Braves as they attempt to fortify their staff in advance of the 2026 season.