The Cleveland Guardians signed free agent first baseman Carlos Santana to replace Josh Naylor, who was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks this offseason.
Yet, there will still be plenty of at-bats for the Guardians’ slugger of the future, Kyle Manzardo.
The 24-year-old, who plays first base but is slated to be the designated hitter, is absolutely on fire in the Cactus League and had another dominant showing against the Colorado Rockies.
“Cleveland Guardians (1B) Kyle Manzardo finished 3-for-3 today against the Rockies and is now hitting .448 on the spring with a 1.224 OPS. Spring numbers: 13-29, 4R, 2(2B), 2HR, 5RBI, 2BB, .448 AVG, .500 OBP, .724 SLG, 1.224 OPS,” Guardians Prospective wrote on X.
Cleveland #Guardians (1B) Kyle Manzardo finished 3-for-3 today against the Rockies and is now hitting .448 on the spring with a 1.224 OPS.
Spring numbers:
13-29 4R 2(2B) 2HR 5RBI 2BB .448 AVG .500 OBP .724 SLG 1.224 OPS#ForTheLand
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) March 13, 2025
The sample size is obviously small, but it’s incredibly impressive how Manzardo is in control of his at-bats.
With contact, power and patience, the lefty appears to have it all.
The Guardians called up Manzardo from Triple-A last May and returned him to that level about a month later after he produced a disappointing .571 OPS.
As it turns out, the young slugger still had things to work on and learn, and he did.
After being recalled in the second half, Manzardo posted a .873 OPS with five home runs in 23 games.
He then went on to hit .316 in nine postseason games.
Manzardo should have a place near the top of the Guardians lineup, potentially after leadoff hitter Steven Kwan, at least against right-handed pitchers.
It remains to be seen if Manzardo plays against lefties, and where he hits if that’s the case, but it’s clear that he is ready to take the next step in his development.
He has the tools and resources to become a successful, consistent designated hitter.
NEXT: Guardians Trade Acquisition Struggles As Spring ERA Reaches 12.66
