A New Chapter for Kyle Manzardo
GOODYEAR, Arizona, March 1, 2025 — Spring training is often a time for players to secure starting spots or refine their techniques. However, for Cleveland Guardians first baseman Kyle Manzardo, this season marks a refreshing departure from the norm. After years of striving to break into the major league roster, Manzardo enters spring training as the team’s starting designated hitter (DH), a role that brings a newfound sense of peace and comfort. "I just feel loose," the 24-year-old remarked after a recent game against the White Sox. "I’m a lot more comfortable this go around than I did this time last year."
The Road to Cleveland
Last year, Manzardo was traded from the Tampa Bay Rays to the Guardians in a deal for Aaron Civale. A top prospect in Tampa Bay, he was often viewed as their future first baseman. The trade was a surprise but also a significant coup for the Guardians. In 21 Triple-A games with Cleveland, Manzardo showed promise, hitting .256/.348/.590 with six home runs and 16 RBIs. Despite the robust performance, he began the 2024 season back in Triple-A, where he continued to refine his skills. Over 83 games, he hit .267/.398/.548, showcasing 20 home runs, an 18.4% strikeout rate, and a 16.8% walk rate. His improved approach, characterized by a more aggressive stance within the strike zone, contributed to his success, though it came with a slight increase in his swinging strike rate, which he viewed as a necessary trade-off for greater power.
Learning the Hard Way
Manzardo’s first taste of the majors was amixed bag. In 29 games, he hit .207/.241/.329 with no home runs, a high 26.4% strikeout rate, and an unusually low 3.4% walk rate. Much of this was attributed to an overly aggressive approach and the mental toll of the role switch from fielding to DHing. "When you’re playing the field every day, you’re so physically exhausted that a lot of the mental side of the game can kind of take the back seat, and you can just go out there and grind," he explained. "Whereas when I was DHing and pinch-hitting a bunch, it was a lot more of a mental grind. I had to keep my mind right and think the game a little bit differently than I ever have." The jump from Triple-A to the majors is notoriously steep, and Manzardo was no exception. "The biggest jump that I saw coming up through the minors," he noted, highlighting the talent gap and the off-field pressures that minor leaguers rarely face.
Adjusting and Improving
Guardians manager Stephen Vogt recognized the challenges Manzardo faced. "We threw them into a kind of an impossible situation," Vogt said, referring to the sudden change in Manzardo’s role. However, Manzardo’s second stint in the majors, a 23-game stretch in September, showed significant improvement. He slashed .270/.333/.540 with five home runs, and his walk rate nearly matched his minor league performance. His average exit velocity and barrel rate also improved, suggesting a growing comfort in the batter’s box. "Part of being a big leaguer is figuring out how to stay true to who you are," Vogt emphasized. "Do what got you here. Just remain being yourself. Yeah, you need to learn, and yes, we’re going to make adjustments, but you have to continue to do what works for you, and Kyle did a great job of that when he came back."
Learning from a Veteran
Manzardo’s growth has been bolstered by the addition of Carlos Santana, a 15-year veteran and former teammate returning for his third stint with the Guardians. Santana, known for his experience and work ethic, has taken Manzardo under his wing, offering invaluable insights into the mental and physical demands of being a regular MLB player. "Carlos has been phenomenal for Kyle," Vogt said. "Just 15 years in the big leagues, you’ve seen a thing or two. For Kyle to have someone like that who genuinely cares for him and wants him to get better, it’s been a huge asset." Despite Santana’s presence at first base, Manzardo remains committed to improving his defensive skills, particularly his throwing, which has been a focus during spring training. "He’s worked really hard on his throwing, specifically," Vogt noted. "He catches the ball well, but the throwing has been an issue for him in the past. He’s done a nice job of working on that and addressing it with our infield coaches and staff."
Looking Forward to 2025
Manzardo’s increased confidence and refined approach have set the stage for a successful 2025 season. "I went into the offseason feeling inspired just based off of how the previous year went, and still hungry given the way it ended," he shared. This motivation has been evident in his spring training performance, where he has already hit in the middle of the order. If his recent production is a reliable indicator, Manzardo should contribute around .260 in nearly full-time at-bats, potentially driving in over 120 runs and RBIs with near 20 home runs. His value in fantasy baseball has also been noted, ranking as the 310th-best player in my calculations for 12-team leagues, but being drafted much later at 357th in NFBC Online Championship drafts. While some of this is due to his UT eligibility in NFBC formats, Manzardo is poised to outperform his ADP in any format. His primary goal is simple: "I don’t want to say I don’t believe in statistical goals, but if I’m healthy and available for the team, I feel like I can take everything I learned last year and apply that and get better." Given his trajectory and the support from his team, 2025 could be the year Kyle Manzardo truly shines in the major leagues.
A Team Committed to Growth
The Guardians are clearly invested in Manzardo’s development. Their willingness to bring him back and provide him with a starting role, along with the mentorship of Carlos Santana, underscores their belief in his potential. Manzardo’s journey from a promising minor leaguer to a key player in Cleveland’s lineup is a testament to his resilience and the team’s support. As he continues to refine his skills and gain more experience, the future looks bright for Manzardo and the Guardians. With a strong lineup and a supportive environment, the 2025 season could mark the beginning of a new era for both the player and the franchise.
