The Cleveland Guardians boosted their offense with the trade deadline acquisitions of outfielder Jo Adell and first baseman Nathaniel Lowe. They will be counting on the newcomers to improve a lineup that has ranked among the worst in the majors this season.
As is often the case when a contending team adds players at the deadline, it comes at the cost of prospects, rather than players on the current roster. With the 26-man limit still in place until next month, that means someone has to leave to make room for the newcomers.
In this case, Cleveland optioned first baseman Kyle Manzardo and utility player David Fry to Triple-A. It was a particularly difficult move as they have been contributing members for back-to-back AL Central championship teams.
Guardians executive Chris Antonetti got honest about sending the two key players down, saying that he still considers them an important part of the organization.
“Really hard decision. We continue to believe that ‘Manzo’ (Manzardo) is going to be a really productive major league hitter. He’s demonstrated the ability to impact games and help carry the team. But this year, it just hasn’t been as consistent as it’s been in the past. We felt this was an opportunity to complement our group and try to improve the roster a bit, at least for the time being. We still believe Manzo’s not only a big part of our future, but still will impact us at some point this year. [David has] been not only a key contributor on the field for us, but part of the fabric of our clubhouse. We’re seeing this as an opportunity for David to get the consistent at-bats in Columbus that he just hasn’t been able to get up here,” Antonetti said.
"Really hard decision. We continue to believe that Manzo is going to be a really productive major league hitter"
"[David has] been not only a key contributor on the field for us, but part of the fabric of our clubhouse."#Guardians Chris Antonetti on optioning Kyle Manzardo and… https://t.co/nBCWYkdhMW pic.twitter.com/OxjHj3mWVX— Mason Horodyski (@MasonHorodyski) August 4, 2026
Manzardo’s demotion is particularly notable coming off a breakout season when he hit 27 home runs in 2025. He was expected to provide the power that the Guardians’ lineup was lacking otherwise, but he managed just two home runs in Cleveland’s first 45 games and likely would have been sent down long before this had there been a viable option to replace him. The 26-year-old heads to Columbus with a .215/.306/.378 slash line and 13 homers this season.
Fry was able to return to playing the field this season after being limited to DH duties last year while recovering from elbow surgery. As the No. 3 catcher, he played five different positions, and the adjustment may have contributed to his .182/.304/.336 slash line for the season.
Adell, who hit 16 home runs for the Los Angeles Angels this season and excels against left-handed pitching, is expected to make an impact in right field while also getting time at DH. Lefty-hitting Lowe, who arrived in a deal with the Cincinnati Reds, and right-handed-hitting veteran Rhys Hoskins, who was acquired during spring training, will now share first base duties.
MLB rosters can expand to 28 players on Sept. 1, so perhaps Manzardo or Fry will return to the Guardians then, if not sooner, should injuries arise.
NEXT: New Guardians Outfielder Could Be More Impactful Than Fans Think
