PROSPECT: Kyle Manzardo, 1B, Tampa Bay Rays
ANALYSIS: When the Rays selected Kyle Manzardo with their second-round pick in 2021 out of Washington State, his ability to make contact was not in question. But many were not sure if he would have enough power to work as a first baseman.
In his first full season in 2022, Manzardo played 93 games between High-A and Double-A. He absolutely showed the ability to make contact, hitting .327 and getting on base at a .426 clip. What surprised many was that he crushed 22 home runs as part of 49 extra-base hits.
Manzardo showed well in spring training and many started to project that he could end up in the majors quickly if he didn't break camp with the big league club. Instead, he went to Triple-A. He's had some family health stuff that has been a rough distraction all season as he's hit .243/.349/.454 with 11 home runs and 30 extra-base hits over 69 games.
VERDICT: Manzardo's bat is really ready, but it's off-field stuff that has him still in the minors. It is still the Rays, so you don't know how he'll be used once he's up. But Manzardo should be in the majors at some point this year and is a guy that should be rostered.
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