When the Cleveland Guardians sent starting pitcher Aaron Civale to the Tampa Bay Rays in 2023 and got Kyle Manzardo, some fans were disappointed because it was another move with an eye on the future.
That’s not necessarily good or bad: it all depends on the circumstances and, well, fans would love to contend every year.
Those who follow prospects, however, were immediately in love with the trade from the Guardians’ side.
They knew Manzardo could take a while to fully develop, but he always looked like a future difference-maker.
Cleveland was patient and willing to endure his struggles in MLB last year.
Now, they get to enjoy the benefits of having a good player development system and a lot of patience.
They get a player with All-Star potential.
Jensen Lewis, who usually pays close attention to the Guardians, is impressed with the lefty slugger.
“He just stepped in and looked the part… He looks like a middle-of-the-order bat,” Lewis said.
Kyle Manzardo rocks. #GuardsBall
"He just stepped in and looked the part… He looks like a middle of the order bat."
presented by https://t.co/qwevEk776m pic.twitter.com/kQgQ0Gr7U0
— BIGPLAY Cleveland Show (@BIGPLAYCLEshow) April 3, 2025
If there was something that the Guardians’ MLB team needed was power and plate discipline.
Manzardo has both.
He didn’t have a highly productive week in San Diego, but then again, no member of the Guardians did.
Still, he was huge in Kansas City and accumulated four extra-base hits in the young season: a double, a triple, and two homers.
He is currently slugging a cool .700 and boasts a 1.033 OPS.
With Jose Ramirez hitting second, the Guards really needed someone who could step in and produce power numbers behind him.
Manzardo has been that guy.
Can it last for the entire season?
Fans are eager to find out.
NEXT: Analyst Says Guardians Made The Right Contract Decision With Young Pitcher
