The Angels are rolling the dice again - and this time, it’s on a former All-Star who’s looking to rediscover the form that once made him one of baseball’s most electric young arms.
Los Angeles has agreed to a one-year, $1.95 million deal with right-hander Alek Manoah, a move that brings both risk and intrigue to a pitching staff in need of upside. The 27-year-old hasn’t thrown a pitch in the majors since May 2024 due to elbow issues, but the Angels are betting that the version of Manoah who dominated in 2022 is still in there somewhere.
This is the second time this offseason the Angels have taken a chance on a pitcher with health concerns. They previously traded infielder Taylor Walls to the Orioles in exchange for Grayson Rodriguez, another high-upside arm with a checkered injury history. It’s clear what the Angels are trying to do: stockpile talent with potential, even if it comes with some medical red flags.
Manoah’s story is a reminder of how quickly things can change in this game. Just two seasons ago, he was one of the best pitchers in baseball.
In 2022, he finished third in the AL Cy Young voting behind Justin Verlander and Dylan Cease. That year, he racked up 16 wins, posted a sparkling 2.20 ERA, and helped guide the Blue Jays to a 92-win season.
He was a force - a big-bodied, bulldog of a pitcher who attacked hitters with power and poise.
But his postseason debut that year was rocky. Manoah gave up four runs over 5.2 innings against the Mariners in the Wild Card round, and things never quite got back on track.
Injuries followed, and by 2024, the Blue Jays had moved on, trading for Shane Bieber to bolster their rotation during a World Series push. Manoah landed with the Braves but never threw a pitch for them.
Now, he gets a fresh start in Anaheim.
For the Angels, this move is low-risk, high-reward - and that’s a phrase fans have heard a lot over the years. Especially now, with Anthony Rendon officially off the books, ending what has to be considered one of the most disappointing contracts in MLB history.
That departure frees up some financial flexibility, but whether the Angels will use it to make a big splash remains to be seen. Historically, they’ve been more cautious than aggressive in free agency, despite having glaring needs.
Still, there’s no denying that Manoah brings some intrigue. He’s not the only arm on the market with upside - names like Framber Valdez and Tatsuya Imai are still out there - but unlike those pitchers, Manoah comes at a bargain price. And for a team that’s trying to rebuild its rotation without blowing past its budget, that matters.
The Angels are clearly hoping that a few smart gambles can pay off. If Manoah can stay healthy and recapture even a fraction of his 2022 form, this could be one of the sneakiest signings of the offseason. If not, it’s a $2 million flyer that doesn’t hamstring the team long-term.
The question now is: what’s next? The Angels have made a couple of bold moves, but their rotation still lacks stability, and their lineup has holes to fill.
Free agency is still young, and the market is full of talent. Whether the Angels decide to keep swinging on upside plays or finally make a push for more proven contributors will tell us a lot about how serious they are about contending in 2025.