The Cleveland Guardians were able to win their first series of the season against the Kansas City Royals on the road.
They enjoyed solid starting pitching in the three-game set, and while the bullpen wasn’t perfect, it was also an important factor behind the two wins.
The offense was surprisingly good, scoring 16 times in the first three games, a little over five runs on average.
Much of that offense was supplied by an unexpected force: designated hitter Kyle Manzardo.
The fact he is raking at the moment is no surprise if you have followed his evolution as a player and as a hitter over the last two years.
However, the surprising part is that he has been carrying the Guardians’ offense on his back.
The numbers speak for themselves.
“Cleveland #Guardians (1B/DH) Kyle Manzardo first three games of the 2025 season. 5-11 3R 1(2B) 1(3B) 2HR 6RBI 3BB 2SO. AVG) .455, OBP) .571, SLG) 1.273, OPS) 1.844,” Guardians Prospective posted on X.
Cleveland #Guardians (1B/DH) Kyle Manzardo first three games of the 2025 season.
5-11 3R 1(2B) 1(3B) 2HR 6RBI 3BB 2SO
AVG) .455
OBP) .571
SLG) 1.273
OPS) 1.844#GuardsBall— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) March 30, 2025
During his first MLB stint last year, which started in early May, he couldn’t hit lefties and posted a .571 OPS overall that got him demoted again in mid-June.
Then, he returned in the second half and hit .270 (17-for-63) with a .873 OPS and five round-trippers in 23 games.
When he returned, he was a completely different player and showed it in the stretch run and the postseason.
Now, with a full offseason to prepare, he is looking like a legit middle-of-the-order asset.
It’s still ridiculously early, but Manzardo is looking like he could enjoy a breakout campaign in Cleveland.
He is hitting lefties and righties, showing composure and patience at the plate.
In other words, the game has slowed down for him and he is now able to inflict damage against pitchers of both hands and in any situation.
The Guardians have themselves a keeper in Manzardo.
NEXT: Guardians Get Encouraging Injury Update On Jose Ramirez
