According to reports, the Toronto Blue Jays decide on a controversial player…………

The Toronto Blue Jays plan to proceed with controversial pitcher Alek Manoah in the starting rotation, according to Jon Morosi of MLB.com.

The Toronto Blue Jays plan to proceed with controversial pitcher Alek Manoah in the starting rotation, according to Jon Morosi of MLB.com.

The Blue Jays have been questioned by teams on Alek Manoah’s tradeability, but according to insiders, the Jays are informing the clubs that they do not intend to sell him.

Manoah has reportedly had excellent results from his offseason exercises. He is anticipated to be part of the Jays’ lineup.

The 26-year-old pitched 3-9 with a 5.87 ERA in 2023, a terrible season. Just one year after starting Game 1 of the playoffs for the Blue Jays, he only struck out 79 batters in 87.1 innings. He was also sent to the minor leagues more than once.

Concerns were raised regarding his level of fitness and his incapacity to get used to the new pitch clock.

Having said that, you can see why Toronto doesn’t want to sell low on him given that he is still a young player and is controlled by the franchise till 2027. In2022, he had a 2.24 ERA and a 16-7 record. He was voted third in the American League Cy Young voting and was an All-Star.

A couple additional factors are also in play here also.

Right present, the Blue Jays have a solid starting rotation. They also have Yusei Kikuchi, Jose Berrios, Chris Bassitt, Jose Berrios, and Manoah. Manoah isn’t expected to start at number one any more, and he could be able to succeed in a fifth starter position with less pressure. The squad also has Yariel Rodriguez, who was just signed, in case he falters.

This might be a Toronto scam. They might still be open to moving Manoah; they simply like to hold out for more value from other teams and don’t want to give in just yet.