RADIO
Kyle Manzardo 2024 Player Outlook: 1B With High Upside
12 months agoCleveland Guardians first baseman Kyle Manzardo became a part of the team during the 2023 trade deadline, traded in exchange for starting pitcher Aaron Civale. Ranked as the second-best prospect in the Guardians' organization and 58th overall in baseball after 2023, the 23-year-old is poised to fill a crucial role in Cleveland's lineup. This acquisition comes at a pivotal moment for a team seeking a boost in offensive prowess. After the trade and a stint in Triple-A Columbus last year, Manzardo impressed with a slash line of .256/.348/.442, hitting six home runs in just 21 games. Noteworthy for his elite understanding of the strike zone, Manzardo adeptly minimizes strikeouts and maintains a high walk rate. While he doesn't have insane raw power, his recent performance at the end of the year showcased his ability to drive the ball out of the park to all parts of the field. In the upcoming season, Manzardo and Josh Naylor are expected to be core middle-of-the-order hitters, rotating between first base and designated hitter. With Spring Training on the horizon, Manzardo stands a good chance to secure a roster spot, providing a promising offensive contribution to a team in desperate need of power.
