The Cleveland Guardians already needed an impact hitter for their lineup before injuries sidelined Jose Ramirez and Angel Martinez. Now, heading toward the MLB trade deadline of Aug. 3, that need has become even more glaring because of another setback.
Kyle Manzardo was supposed to be part of the Guardians’ solution for the lack of middle-of-the-lineup power, as he was seen as having the potential to improve on the 27 home runs he hit in 2025. That plan blew up almost right from the start of the season, as the 25-year-old managed just two hits in his first 33 at-bats.
He also had just one home run entering May, but he looked to be turning his season around. His batting average was hovering around .240, and his OPS climbed over .730, with nine home runs over a two-month span.
Unfortunately, the young Guardians slugger is going through another tough slump, with more strikeouts than times on base since June 18.
“Kyle Manzardo, last three weeks: .148 AVG, .489 OPS, 41 wRC+, Hits + Walks: 17, Strikeouts: 22,” Always the Jake posted.
Kyle Manzardo, last three weeks:
.148 AVG
.489 OPS
41 wRC+Hits + Walks: 17
Strikeouts: 22— Always the Jake (@JacobsFieldRBW) July 10, 2026
That downturn has increased the calls for the Guardians to add an impact hitter before the deadline. Even with Ramirez and Martinez on track to return sometime after the All-Star break, Cleveland’s offense may not be good enough to hold off the surprising Chicago White Sox or the surging Minnesota Twins in the AL Central.
The Guardians are somehow still tied for first place in the division, but they are just two games over .500 entering play Friday. Since Ramirez, Martinez and Chase DeLauter were injured in the same game on June 13, Cleveland is 9-13.
Manzardo looked like he would be able to help the Guardians withstand the loss of three of their top hitters, but the pressure may have proven to be too much for him. For the season, he has a disappointing slash line of .216/.310/.367 with 95 strikeouts in 259 at-bats.
With the development of No. 1 prospect Ralphy Velazquez in the minor leagues, Manzardo may be running out of time to prove to the organization that he deserves to be part of the future, which could end as early as next month.
NEXT: Insider Names 2 Top Trade Deadline Targets For Guardians
