In 2021, Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Alek Manoah had a strong rookie season, with a 2.9 bWAR, 127 strikeouts and a 3.22 ERA in 11.1 innings pitched in 20 games. He finished eighth in AL Rookie of the Year voting.
In 2022, Manoah played in the All-Star Game for the first time. He struck out three batters, the first Blue Jays pitcher to accomplish that since Dave Stieb in 1983. Manoah went on to win 16 games with a 2.24 ERA to finish third in AL Cy Young voting. Expectations for Manoah after his 2022 season were very high.