Stephen Vogt is clearly buying what Kyle Manzardo is selling this spring.
Speaking with reporters, the Guardians manager didn’t hold back when discussing the young first baseman’s offseason transformation and what it could mean for Cleveland’s lineup in 2026.
“He said he feels faster, he feels quicker,” Vogt said, via Mason Horodyski. “And a lot of times when you put on strength, you do get faster and quicker.”
"He said he feels faster, he feels quicker. And a lot of times when you put on strength, you do get faster and quicker."
More from Vogt on #Guardians Kyle Manzardo's muscle gain, plus Vogt's mindset on how playing him more at 1B sets Cleveland up for success: https://t.co/772GvfF8QW pic.twitter.com/dGHP81gC7p
— Mason Horodyski (@MasonHorodyski) February 17, 2026
That’s a big development for a player the Guardians are counting on to take another step forward.
Manzardo, 25, quietly put together a solid 2025 campaign. He appeared in 144 games, hitting .234 with 27 home runs, 70 RBI and a .768 OPS. His .455 slugging percentage and 110 OPS+ showed he was an above-average offensive contributor, even if the batting average didn’t jump off the page.
The power was real. The approach was steady. Now the organization wants to see growth.
And that growth might start with opportunity.
Vogt also addressed how playing Manzardo more consistently at first base could benefit the team long-term. The Guardians have shuffled pieces around the diamond in recent seasons, trying to maximize matchups and development. But there’s something to be said for letting a young hitter settle into a primary role.
If Manzardo is able to lock down first base defensively, it provides clarity to the lineup. It frees up the designated hitter spot. It gives Cleveland more flexibility with prospects and platoon options.
More importantly, it signals trust.
Manzardo was once one of the more highly regarded hitting prospects in baseball. After being acquired from the Rays, expectations followed him to Cleveland. There were flashes, but there were also adjustments. Big league pitching forces that.
Now heading into Year 3 in the organization, this feels like a pivotal spring.
The Guardians didn’t make splashy external moves this offseason. Instead, they’ve repeatedly emphasized internal growth. Manzardo is central to that plan.
Spring training always brings optimism. But when the manager is publicly praising a player’s physical transformation and mindset, it carries weight.
The Guardians are excited to see what Kyle Manzardo can become.
And based on Vogt’s comments, they believe the best might be coming soon.
NEXT: Guardians Prospect Shares Life-Changing News Before 2026 Season
