Bold claim: Angels land a former All-Star pitcher in a surprising reclamation move. Alek Manoah and the Los Angeles Angels have reportedly agreed to a free-agent deal, per MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand on Tuesday. The agreement is anticipated to be a one-year pact worth about $1.95 million. Neither side has officially confirmed the terms.
Manoah, who was non-tendered by the Braves, presents a high-risk, high-reward opportunity for the Angels. Approaching his age-28 season, his last big-league appearance came in May 2024 with the Blue Jays—the team where he debuted, earned an All-Star nod, and starred across parts of four seasons. Toronto’s relationship with him soured on a disappointing note amid underperformance that preceded a demotion to Triple-A.
In June 2024, Manoah underwent Tommy John surgery, capping a downturn that began the previous season. The comeback arc got underway with ten rehab starts in 2025, seven of which were at Triple-A Buffalo, where he posted a 2.97 ERA before the Braves claimed him off waivers on September 23 with the hope he could recapture his 2022 form. Still, Atlanta chose not to tender him a contract for 2026.
If Manoah can recapture his 2022 dominance—the year he went 16-7 with a 2.24 ERA and finished third in AL Cy Young voting—it could transform the Angels’ pitching staff. In 2022, he limited opponents to one run or fewer in 14 of 31 starts and posted a stellar 0.94 ERA over his final seven outings. Across his career, Manoah owns a 29-20 record with a 3.34 ERA in 75 starts, all as a starter.
This signing represents a notable, potentially pivotal addition for a club seeking stability and upside on the mound. It also raises questions about how Manoah’s post-surgery form will translate to a full-season workload and whether a one-year, modestly priced deal can unlock a late-career resurgence.
What do you think: could Manoah rebound to his 2022 peak, or is this high-upside gamble likely to fall short? Share your thoughts in the comments.
