Alek Manoah of the Toronto Blue Jays is known for his larger-than-life persona on the field. Manoah has just turned 25 years old and had the best season of his short career in 2022.
Drafted by the Jays 11th overall in 2019, the 6-foot-6 right-hander has carved himself a nice spot at the top of the AL East Team's rotation. Manoah played baseball at the University of West Virginia, although he is originally from Southern Florida.
Manoah is known for his overpowering fastball. which is supplemented by an array of breaking pitches. In addition to being 6-6 and one of the tallest players in baseball, Alek Manoah tips the scales at 285 lbs (129 kg), according to Baseball Reference.com.
Alek Manoah made his debut with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2021. That same year, he set a franchise record by striking out seven batters in a row in a game in July.
All told, Manoah finished his rookie 2021 campaign with an ERA of 3.22 and a record of 9-2. He also finished eighth in the AL Rookie of the Year voting for his strong first year.
In 2022, Manoah brought his game to the next level. He finished the year with a record of 16-7, amassing an ERA of just 2.24 over 196 innings pitched. He also drew attention last season for calling out New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole as "one of the biggest cheaters in the game."
"Alek Manoah had some words for Gerrit Cole" - Baseball Bros
After stellar performances in 2022, Manoah was designated as an All-Star for the first time in his career. He faced the National League side for one inning, and struck out the side. Manoah also finished third in Cy Young voting, losing out to Dylan Cease and Houston Astros veteran Justin Verlander.
""Right down the middle, but we'll take it! Three punchies! LET'S GOOOOOOO!!!" Alek Manoah was HYPED" - FOX Sports: MLB
Alek Manoah to take center stage in 2023 Blue Jays rotation
Manoah gave up four earned runs in 5 1/3 innings in Game 1 of the AL Wild Card against the Seattle Mariners. The Jays went on to get swept by the Mariners, marking the premature culmination of a strong season. To compete with the strong bats of the AL East in 2023, Manoah and company will need to bring their best.