MLB

Alek Manoah Granted Free Agency as Several MLB Players Receive non-Tender Offers

Toronto blue Jays pitcher Alek Manoah has become a free agent after the team declined to tender him a contract, according to reports surfacing Friday. The move comes after a challenging 2023 season for the right-hander, followed by his absence from the team late in the year and subsequent shoulder surgery.

This decision marks a meaningful shift for Manoah, the 2022 All-Star who quickly emerged as a key piece of the Blue Jays’ rotation. Non-tender decisions, made before the deadline for teams to offer contracts to arbitration-eligible players, signal a team’s unwillingness to meet a player’s potential salary demands through the arbitration process. Manoah’s future now hinges on his recovery from surgery and his ability to regain the form that made him a rising star in the league.

Several other notable players were also granted free agency after not receiving qualifying offers from their respective teams. Adolis garcía, fresh off a World Series victory with the Texas Rangers where he recorded 39 home runs and 107 RBIs during the regular season, is now available. Despite his recent success, García struggled with a .224 average in 2024 and .227 in 2025.

Boston Red Sox first baseman Nathaniel Lowe, Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Evan Phillips, and Seattle Mariners reliever Gregory Santos were also non-tendered. In contrast, the Blue Jays extended qualifying offers to all of their arbitration-eligible players: outfielder Daulton Varsho, pitcher Eric Lauer, utility player Ernie Clement, and catcher Tyler Heineman.

Blue Jays⁤ Emerging as frontrunners to Sign star Outfielder Kyle Tucker

Toronto, ON – The Toronto Blue Jays ​are currently considered‌ the favorites to land highly coveted free ⁢agent outfielder Kyle ​Tucker, according to a report‍ from ESPN’s Jeff Passan. ‍Tucker, the​ top position player ‍available on the⁢ open market, is projected to command⁣ a contract of ⁤at least $300 million, perhaps‌ exceeding ‌$400 million.

The pursuit of Tucker represents a significant possibility for the⁤ Blue Jays to bolster their lineup and contend⁢ for ‌a World Series title. His addition would provide a potent offensive threat and upgrade the team’s⁣ outfield‌ depth.Several other ‍teams ⁤are also in ​the mix, but Toronto’s ⁤aggressive approach has positioned them as the leading candidate.

Tucker, a four-time All-Star, posted a .266⁤ average with 22 home runs, 73 RBIs, and 91 runs scored in 136 games last season.‌ His ‌consistent production and all-around skillset make him a ‌highly desirable target for‌ numerous clubs.

However, the Blue Jays face competition from the Philadelphia Phillies, who could pursue ‍Tucker if Kyle Schwarber departs. The Los Angeles Dodgers‌ are⁣ also interested, potentially offering a short-term, high-value contract, though Tucker’s age – he will turn 29 in January -⁤ suggests he may prioritize long-term security ⁣over ‍maximizing immediate earnings.

Despite the presence of established stars Aaron ⁤Judge and Juan​ Soto, ⁣both the‍ New York Yankees and New​ York Mets remain ⁢in contention, driven by Tucker’s desire ⁤to compete for championships.Other teams ​monitoring the ‌situation include the San Francisco Giants,possessing salary versatility,and ⁢the Baltimore Orioles,though the Orioles are reportedly prioritizing⁣ pitching upgrades. Notably, ⁢Orioles ‌president of baseball operations Mike Elias previously served as ⁣Houston’s recruiting director when Tucker was‌ drafted in 2015.