Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Alek Manoah delivers to the Minnesota Twins during the first inning of a spring training baseball game Wednesday, March 8, 2023, in Dunedin, Fla. Manoah has had his contract renewed by the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday and 14 other players, including all-star catcher Alejandro Kirk, agreed to new contracts. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Chris O'Meara
TORONTO – Ace pitcher Alek Manoah has had his contract renewed by the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday and 14 other players, including all-star catcher Alejandro Kirk, agreed to new contracts.
The 25-year-old Manoah had a 16-7 record last season with a 2.24 earned-run average and 180 strikeouts over 196 2/3 innings pitched.
Kirk emerged as Toronto’s top catcher last year, hitting .285 with 14 home runs and 63 runs batted in and walks.
He was named to his first-ever all-star team and earned a Silver Slugger Award as the best hitter at his position in the American League.
Infielder Otto Lopez and relief pitcher Zach Pop, both Canadian, were re-signed.
Outfielder Nathan Lukes, pitchers Hagen Danner, Thomas Hatch, Nate Pearson, Zach Thompson, Mitch White and Yosver Zulueta as well as infielders Addison Barger, Spencer Horwitz, Leonardo Jimenez, and Orelvis Martinez were also signed.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 11, 2023.
