"From Cy Young potential to being designated for assignment at the end of last season, Alek Manoah is forever the most "what if" the Blue Jays have produced in a long while. Many fans in recent years recall Manoah's impressive 2022 season, finishing third in Cy Young voting behind Dylan Cease and Justin Verlander. He even had more votes than Shohei Ohtani as a pitcher."
"Fast forward to a disastrous 5.87 ERA in 19 starts in 2023, to needing Tommy John surgery in 2024, and things went off the rails quickly for the Florida product. While Manoah was progressing slowly from injury and posted a 2.97 ERA in seven starts in AAA for the Bisons, he was designated for assignment and claimed by the Atlanta Braves late in the season."
"When Austin Martin fell to fifth overall in the 2020 draft, many Blue Jays fans were shocked to see him still available. In 2021, he was ranked as the team's second-best prospect, and for good reason, as he had a lot of tools for success at the plate."
The article examines notable Blue Jays alumni competing elsewhere in 2026. Alek Manoah, once a Cy Young contender with a third-place finish in 2022, has experienced a dramatic decline following Tommy John surgery and poor performance. After posting a 5.87 ERA in 2023 and being designated for assignment, he signed with the Angels but has struggled significantly in spring training with a 6.14 ERA across three outings. Austin Martin, selected fifth overall in the 2020 draft and ranked as the team's second-best prospect in 2021, was traded to the Minnesota Twins alongside Simeon Woods-Richardson. Both players represent significant "what if" scenarios for the Blue Jays organization.
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