Alek Manoah feeling good about comeback with Angels

The 28-year-old right-hander was an All-Star with Toronto in 2022 but injuries have since derailed his career.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Alek Manoah, a 28-year-old right-handed pitcher, is looking to make a comeback with the Los Angeles Angels after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2024. Manoah was an All-Star with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2022, but has since dealt with various injuries that have derailed his career. The Angels signed Manoah to a one-year, $1.95 million deal, hoping he can regain his previous form.

Why it matters

Manoah's potential comeback is significant as he was once considered one of the rising stars in baseball. If he can return to his 2022 All-Star level, he would be a valuable asset to the Angels' pitching rotation. His recovery from Tommy John surgery also highlights the challenges pitchers face in returning to top form after major arm injuries.

The details

Manoah said he feels better than he did before the surgery, thanks to a winter of doing "explosive movements" that could help him add a little velocity. He is excited to join the Angels organization, which he describes as "amazing" with a lot of "fire" and "want" in the clubhouse. Manoah will have to win a rotation spot this spring, and if not, he could be optioned to Triple-A or pitch out of the bullpen.

  • In 2022, Manoah was an All-Star with the Toronto Blue Jays in his first full big-league season.
  • In 2023, Manoah had knee, back, quad and shoulder injuries, posting a 5.87 ERA in 19 starts.
  • In 2024, Manoah suffered the elbow injury that led to Tommy John surgery.
  • In 2025, Manoah made it back for 10 minor-league rehab starts but never reached the majors.
  • In the 2026 offseason, the Angels signed Manoah to a one-year, $1.95 million deal.

The players

Alek Manoah

A 28-year-old right-handed pitcher who was an All-Star with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2022 but has since dealt with injuries, including undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2024.

Los Angeles Angels

The Major League Baseball team that signed Manoah to a one-year, $1.95 million deal in the 2026 offseason, hoping he can regain his previous form.

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What they’re saying

“When you drive your car and you use your brakes, you're comfortable with your brakes. You know exactly how sensitive they are and things like that. When you hop in a rental car, those first few stop signs might be a little (jarring).”

— Alek Manoah (presstelegram.com)

“This organization is amazing. I think the things they prioritize are great, the people in this clubhouse are great. I'm just super excited to join this group and help this group however I can. I'm excited to compete with these guys. There's a lot of fire in this clubhouse. There's a lot of want in this clubhouse. And that's how I like to play the game. Being able to join this group, and help however I can, is really exciting to me.”

— Alek Manoah (presstelegram.com)

What’s next

Manoah will have to win a rotation spot this spring. If not, he could be optioned to Triple-A, or he could pitch out of the bullpen.

The takeaway

Manoah's potential comeback with the Angels is a high-risk, high-reward scenario. If he can regain his 2022 All-Star form, he could be a valuable asset to the team. However, his recent injury history makes his future success uncertain, highlighting the challenges pitchers face in returning to top form after major arm injuries.