Embracing your history is something to celebrate. Supporting your former teammates is a commendable gesture.
However, when Alek Manoah claimed to The Athletic’s Sam Blum he was a “very big piece” of the Toronto Blue Jays’ 2025 World Series run, he ventured from opinion into the realm of rewriting history.
It’s common knowledge among fans.
Manoah once held significant importance for Toronto. In 2022, he secured a third-place finish in Cy Young voting, recorded an impressive 2.24 ERA, and emerged as a cornerstone player alongside Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette. He played a pivotal role in raising the bar for what was possible in that clubhouse. He played a pivotal role in fostering the notion that the Blue Jays were primed for a competitive run.
However, that iteration of Manoah and the 2025 World Series roster are divided by a vast chasm of reality.
When Toronto began its journey, Manoah had not delivered a significant performance in the major leagues for 2 years. He had Tommy John surgery in 2024. He worked his way back in Triple-A and received a designation for assignment just ahead of the playoffs. He was absent from the dugout, and he wasn’t taking the pitcher’s spot. He didn’t even make the 40-man roster.
One could contend that he played a significant role in establishing a cultural foundation. One could contend that his rise during the 2021–22 season significantly sped up the team’s path to competitiveness.
It’s undeniable that he played a crucial role in that World Series journey.
That’s where the statement falls short in credibility.
The Core Problem Isn’t Confidence—It’s Awareness
The overarching theme in Manoah’s interview with The Athletic was perspective. He discussed the importance of having faith in the doors that shut behind us and called the challenges in baseball “first-world problems.” He maintained that his challenges were not rooted in the mind.
That’s completely reasonable. Indeed, it’s commendable.
However, asserting significant ownership of a playoff journey you weren’t part of seems out of touch with the reality of team dynamics. October baseball hinges on performance in the moment—not past accolades.
The 2025 Blue Jays relied heavily on Guerrero during the year of his $500 million extension. They relied on George Springer’s resurgence at the plate. The team relied on its robust pitching depth and thrived without Manoah.
The organization demonstrated its ability to flourish following his transition.
And that’s the aspect that probably hurts the most.
Why This Matters for His Angels Comeback
Currently with the Los Angeles Angels, Manoah is on a mission to regain his footing in the league. Reports, including Sportsnet, indicate that his velocity this spring is on the rise again. The Angels are providing him with a chance that carries minimal risk through a one-year contract.
Perception plays a crucial role in the narratives of comeback stories.
When a pitcher aiming to restore his reputation seems to exaggerate his recent performance, it raises eyebrows. Fellow players, take note. Supporters are paying attention. Front offices are certainly paying attention.
Confidence drives top-tier competitors. Illusions weaken their foundation.
If Manoah had approached it from a different angle, the remark would probably resonate more positively. Instead, it came across as an attempt to cling to significance.
The irony is that Manoah has no need to make any changes at all.
His 2022 performance was truly impressive. His early career path and competitive spirit were undeniable.
Yet, the downfall was equally significant. The demotion occurred, indeed. The surgery was quite something. The DFA was indeed a significant move.
Comebacks truly resonate when players embrace the entire journey—not merely the high points.
If Manoah genuinely holds the belief that doors close for a reason, it might be that the Blue Jays’ door has shut to compel him to face something more profound. Perhaps it’s a matter of physicality and mechanics. Perhaps a bit sentimental.
The journey to regain trust in Anaheim certainly won’t rely on looking back at a season he observed from the sidelines.
It will be constructed around innings.
Until he showcases elite skills again, he won’t convince anyone he played a significant role in something he wasn’t part of.
Blue Jays’ Former All-Star Rewrites History With Latest Remarks