Braves Claim Former Cy Young Finalist Alek Manoah Off Waivers Amid Injuries

The Atlanta Braves have made several notable moves to bolster their pitching staff as the 2025 season concludes. Prospect Ian Mejia earned a spot on the Double-A Southern League All-Star team after an impressive season with a 2.62 ERA and 106 strikeouts, showcasing his potential as a future major league starter despite lacking overpowering stuff. Meanwhile, reliever Hayden Harris, who dominated in the minors with a 0.52 ERA and high strikeout rate, was briefly called up but then optioned back to Triple-A, indicating the Braves may be cautious about his role moving forward. The Braves also claimed former All-Star and Cy Young finalist Alek Manoah off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays, hoping a change of scenery can help him revive his career after injuries and inconsistent performance diminished his effectiveness. Manoah, who has struggled with velocity and control in recent seasons, will start in Triple-A but offers the Braves a veteran pitching option with major league experience and potential upside. These moves reflect the Braves' strategy to blend emerging talent with experienced arms as they prepare for the next season.