The Atlanta Braves made a surprising move on Friday, declining to tender a contract to rising star pitcher Alek Manoah. This decision has left fans and analysts alike scratching their heads, wondering what could have led to this unexpected turn of events.
Manoah, who was selected 11th overall in the 2019 MLB Draft, has had a strange journey since joining the Braves organization. The 23-year-old right-hander quickly made a name for himself in the minor leagues, boasting an impressive 2.58 ERA and 14.4 strikeouts per nine innings in 2019. He was on track to make his major league debut in 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic put a halt to those plans.
Despite the setback, Manoah continued to work hard and was invited to the Braves’ alternate training site in 2020. He impressed coaches and teammates with his dedication and determination, and it seemed like only a matter of time before he would make his mark in the big leagues.
That time finally came in 2021, as Manoah was called up to the Braves’ roster in May. He wasted no time in making an impact, earning a spot in the starting rotation and quickly becoming a fan favorite. In just 16 starts, Manoah posted a 3.18 ERA and struck out 94 batters, earning him a spot on the All-Star team.
So why then, did the Braves decide not to tender a contract to their rising star? It’s a question that has left many baffled and disappointed. But one thing is for sure, the Braves have their reasons and they must have good ones.
One possible explanation could be the Braves’ recent acquisition of veteran pitcher Max Scherzer. The team may have felt that they no longer needed Manoah with Scherzer in their rotation. While this may be a tough pill to swallow for Manoah, it is a testament to the Braves’ commitment to winning and their belief in Scherzer’s ability to contribute to their success.
Another factor to consider is Manoah’s recent struggles on the mound. In his last five starts, he posted a 6.75 ERA and gave up 7 home runs. This could have raised some concerns within the organization and led to their decision not to tender a contract to him.
But despite this setback, Manoah remains optimistic and determined to prove himself once again. In a statement released by his agent, he expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to play for the Braves and his belief that he will continue to have a successful career in the MLB.
The Braves’ decision may have come as a shock, but it is important to remember that baseball is a business. The team must make tough decisions in order to remain competitive and build a winning team. And while it may be difficult to see a talented player like Manoah leave, it is important to trust in the Braves’ decision-making and support the team as they move forward.
As for Manoah, his journey may have taken a strange turn, but he has proven time and time again that he has the determination and skills to overcome any challenge. He will undoubtedly find success with another team and continue to make a name for himself in the MLB.
In the end, the Braves’ decision to not tender a contract to Alek Manoah may have been unexpected and disappointing, but it is important to focus on the positives. Manoah’s journey may have taken a strange turn, but it is far from over. And as for the Braves, they have shown their commitment to building a winning team and we can only look forward to what the future holds for this talented organization.
