The Cleveland Guardians may have finally found their everyday first baseman.
Carlos Santana’s slump has reached a new low, and some believe he might not be on the team much longer.
David Fry has yet to get into a rhythm after making his return from Tommy John surgery, and he’s not going to play the field this season.
But Kyle Manzardo has been on a roll.
He is in the midst of an eight-game hitting streak, which is a career high, via Brady Hamilton.
The new everyday first baseman has struck again.
8-game hitting streak which is a new career high for Manzardo!
Look what happens when he gets regular playing time.#GuardsBall pic.twitter.com/vWOXuZIHPW https://t.co/wj8YGKoRrd
— Brady Hamilton (@BradyH_216) July 29, 2025
On top of that, Manzardo has turned heads with his power this season.
Despite having fewer at-bats than his colleagues, he has 18 home runs.
The Guardians desperately need some offensive momentum, and it looks like Manzardo has already done more than enough to get an extended look until the end of the season.
Santana could be on his way out as one of their trade deadline candidates, given his age, his reputation for being a clutch hitter in the playoffs, and his pending free agent status.
That would leave the door open for Manzardo to take the reins at first base.
But this hitting streak and his evident talent could lead other teams to try to pry him away at the deadline, as it looks like Jose Ramirez is the only truly untouchable player on the team.
NEXT: Logan Allen Reaches Rare Guardians Mark Against Rockies
