Report: Blue Jays' Offseason Extension Talks with Alek Manoah 'Not Close'
The Blue Jays approached Alek Manoah's camp with a "contract suggestion" this winter. But, the two sides are "not close" per NY Post's Jon Heyman.
Even if the two sides don't reach an extension, the Blue Jays can retain Manoah for at least five more seasons. The righty enters his third season of pre-arbitration renewal in 2023, set to make $745,650, and will have four more years of arbitration following, if he plays a full season this year.
Through two seasons and 51 career starts, Manoah has already built a strong case for a massive contract. The 25-year-old won 25 games across two years, receiving MVP votes, an All-Star nod, Rookie of the Year votes, and a third-place AL Cy Young finish in 2023. In 308.1 career innings, Manoah owns a 2.60 ERA with 307 strikeouts and 91 walks.
However, with five years of team control, the Blue Jays may prioritize negotiations with other members of the young core set to hit free agency sooner. Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will reach free agency after the 2025 seasons. By the time Manoah hits free agency after 2027, the current contracts of George Springer, Kevin Gausman, and Chris Bassitt will no longer be on the books.
H/T Jon Heyman
