RADIO
ANALYSIS: After being selected by the Rays in the second round of the 2021 draft, Manzardo hit and hit some more, with his breakout coming during the 2022 season. After dealing with things off the field for most of 2023 as well as a dislocated shoulder, 2023 felt like a lost season in some ways, but Manzardo rebounded in a major way in the Arizona Fall League, getting back to the root of who he is as a player.
Manzardo has a strong feel for contact, leaving the barrel in the zone for a long time. He made contact on 80 percent of pitches in 2023 with a zone contact rate of 90 percent. The contact has always been strong, but some questioned the ability to get to power after 2022.
Making major strides in that department, Manzardo posted an average exit velocity north of 90 mph with a 90th percentile of 104.5 mph. Those numbers were up from 88.2 and 102.6 mph in 2022.
Kyle Manzardo - Guardians Prospects (1)* pic.twitter.com/ZrLntv91DE
— MLB HR Videos (@MLBHRVideos) March 17, 2024
The contact and plate discipline skills are easily plus or better, and the blossoming power may end up being above average or plus when all is said or done. The hit tool gives Manzarod a unique skillset at first base, and the blossoming power gives some intriguing potential.
While it is likely that Manzardo will start the 2024 season in Triple-A, I don't expect him to stay there long. The Guardians do have spots available, and Manzardo could step right in and make an impact in 2024.
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