Kyle Manzardo joined the Cleveland Guardians’ organization in the summer of 2023 as part of the trade with the Tampa Bay Rays that sent RHP Aaron Civale to the American League East.
There was chatter back during that season that the slugger could make his debut by the end of the year, but that never happened. Finally, in 2024, Manzardo took his first MLB at-bats, but bounced between the big leagues and the minors as he worked through some issues with offspeed pitches.
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With all that in mind, it’s easy to forget that the 2025 campaign was really Manzardo’s first full MLB season. With that, there were some impressive moments when he looked like one of the best hitters in Cleveland’s lineup, and certainly some growing pains to go along with it.
Stephen Vogt was very impressed with what he saw from Manzardo last year and knows that he will only continue to develop and improve with more reps on offense and in the field.
“Manzo really took a huge step forward,” said Cleveland’s skipper during an interview with MLB Network.
“His first full season, and, you know, he spent split time between DH and first base. But what we really saw was a lot of growth defensively, too, which is huge. Kyle’s gonna hit. It doesn’t matter. Wherever he goes, he’s gonna hit, and, you know, to put up 27 homers in your first full season, there’s a lot to be excited. He’s gonna keep learning and keep getting better.”
Sep 26, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians designated hitter Kyle Manzardo (9) rounds the bases after hitting a home run against the Texas Rangers during the first inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Vogt is correct; Manzardo has always been known as a hitter, and that will continue to be his calling card. In his first full season, the left-hander had a .234/.313/.455 slash line with an OPS of .768. As the year progressed, Manzardo did a tremendous job of using the whole field and not pulling as much.
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What Cleveland’s skipper highlights, though, is Manzardo’s defense. The 25-year-old has never been a great defender, but he did look more comfortable there as the season continued.
Manzardo likely has a long-term future as the team’s designated hitter with CJ Kayfus and David Fry in the mix and first base, but it’ll still be valuable to have him as even an average defender at first base.
Manzardo’s overall game is definitely still a work in progress. But considering he can only go up after his first full season, there’s a lot to like about the 25-year-old ceiling at the big-league level.