Our parents and grandparents were raised thinking that batting average was one of the most important offensive stats in baseball.
While it’s certainly not insignificant, we now know that other metrics and stats are more suitable to assess and evaluate offensive performance.
We can look at a hitter’s home run total, or his OPS (on-base percentage plus slugging percentage) to have a better idea of how good he is.
That’s why Cleveland Guardians fans should silence the outside noise and look at Kyle Manzardo’s power output to understand he has been among the best and most consistent power producers in baseball this year.
His batting average is very low, at .212.
So what?
He has been every bit as good as the Guardians hoped before the season.
In fact, just a handful of major league hitters have bested him when it comes to homers.
“Kyle Manzardo now has six home runs this season. Only 10 players in the league have more,” Guardians insider Zack Meisel posted on X.
Kyle Manzardo now has six home runs this season. Only 10 players in the league have more. https://t.co/5fplvvG6Ry
— Zack Meisel (@ZackMeisel) April 20, 2025
There are hundreds of hitters in the league.
Ranking 11th in home runs (tied with many other batters) says a lot about this kid’s power.
He was very much worth the wait.
His batting average shouldn’t matter as much when you realize he has a magnificent .866 batting average and almost as many RBI (16) as games played (20).
When everything is said and done, Manzardo’s luck should even out and that batting average should go up a bit.
At the end of the day, Cleveland is enjoying their new breakout performer and middle-of-the-order star.
NEXT: Guardians Designate Struggling Righty For Assignment
