The Cleveland Guardians have plenty of talent in the infield right now. It took them a while, but they finally gave Kyle Manzardo more opportunities to prove his worth down the stretch last season. With that in mind, they need him to bulk up.
According to a report by Guardians insider Paul Hoynes, the team urged Manzardo to hit the gym, and the early returns have been quite encouraging:
“The Guardians at the end of last season asked first baseman Kyle Manzardo to get stronger and bigger because they want him to play more games at first base. Manager Stephen Vogt said Manzardo has gained 14 pounds in the offseason,” Hoynes wrote.
Manzardo didn’t get that much playing time earlier in the season. Stephen Vogt turned to veteran Carlos Santana for the most part, but his struggles at the plate were just too big to ignore down the stretch.
Also, Manzardo took a huge leap as a hitter last season. He added more power without giving up contact, and not only did he give them a much-needed boost at key moments, but he was actually their best hitter during a stretch of the season.
Manzardo is just getting started, and he proved that he deserved a bigger role next season. He will probably alternate at first base with rookie C.J. Kayfus for most of the campaign, and as such, the team will need him to be healthy and strong. The Guardians could use as much help as they can get at the plate.
And since they’re not going to break the bank to add reinforcements in free agency, they might as well give their rising players a bigger opportunity to show what they’ve got and keep getting better.
NEXT: Guardians Executive Opens Up About Signing Nolan Jones
