Manoa's return is one of many storylines as the Blue Jays begin camp in Toronto

Dunedin, Fla. – The Toronto Blue Jays begin spring training this week with an eye toward the 2024 season while trying to erase the memory of their last postseason exit.

The first official practice was set for Thursday at the Player Development Complex as the team prepares for their Grapefruit League opener against the Philadelphia Phillies on Feb. 24.

The Blue Jays, who have been swept in the wild-card round in three of the past four years, begin the regular season on March 28 at Tampa Bay. Check out the five events included in the training camp:

MANUA IS BACK

Starting pitcher Alec Manoa has kept a low profile since being demoted to the minor leagues for the second time last summer.

He was a finalist for the American League Cy Young Award in 2022, but struggled mightily last year. He will soon get a chance to speak publicly about what happened after being sent down to Triple-A Buffalo in August.

According to reports, Manoa refused to report to the Bisons and did not pitch after he decided to come to Buffalo. In mid-September, the Blue Jays said he was shut down for the season after receiving multiple injections in his arm.

So is she ready to date? How is his relationship with the team? Does he feel he can return to his star form?

We will soon find out from the big right hand himself.

RECORD OF ARBITRATION

The Blue Jays lost their arbitration case with first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. last week after a three-man panel awarded the slugger the $19.9 million he was seeking.

The team offered $18.05 million, which would also be a record amount in MLB salary arbitration.

It was a puzzling decision for a team that believes Guerrero is a cornerstone of the franchise, who will be a free agent after the 2025 season. Arbitration can sometimes ruffle feathers because a team has to say why they believe a player isn't worth the asking salary.

The Blue Jays avoided that process last year with star shortstop Bo Bichette, who signed him to a three-year deal that covers the remaining seasons of arbitration. Bichette is scheduled to become a free agent after the 2025 campaign unless he signs an extension.

The story continues

QUIET FROM THE SEASON

A very difficult offseason for Toronto's front office over the past two weeks has culminated in the signing of veteran slugger Justin Turner to a one-year contract and pitcher Yariel Rodriguez to a five-year deal.

Turner is 39 years old, but is coming off a strong season with the Boston Red Sox. He hit .276 with 23 homers and 96 runs scored last year.

The two-time All-Star won the 2020 World Series with the Los Angeles Dodgers and was co-winner of the National League Championship MVP award in 2017.

Rodríguez, 26, represented Cuba in last year's World Baseball Classic. He previously played in the Japanese and Cuban leagues.

In the offseason, the Blue Jays signed infielder Isiah Keener-Falefa to a two-year contract and brought back center fielder Kevin Kiermaier to a one-year deal.

DONNY BASEBALL

Test coach Don Mattingly will play a bigger role with the Blue Jays this offseason after the club added the newly created offensive coordinator position to his title.

He will work with returning coach Guillermo Martinez to improve an offense that was inconsistent last season and struggled in the playoffs.

Mattingly was a six-time All-Star during his 14-year career with the New York Yankees. He later managed the Dodgers and Miami Marlins.

Carlos Febles will serve as third base coach this season following the retirement of Luis Rivera. Febles spent six seasons in the same role with the Boston Red Sox.

RADIO WAVES

There will be a new radio voice for the Blue Jays in 2024.

Ben Shulman, who started 31 games last season, replaces Ben Wagner.

Sportsnet parted ways with Wagner last November. He spent six seasons as the team's entertainment broadcaster, but the network did not renew his contract.

Shulman is the son of Dan Shulman, who handles the Blue Jays' play-by-play duties for telecasts.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on February 14, 2024.

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Gregory Strong, Canadian Press