Who Is Kyle Manzardo, Newest Guardians Prospect
The Cleveland Guardians sold high on their most reliable starter in Aaron Civale and dealt him to the Tampa Bay Rays. Cleveland received first base prospect Kyle Manzardo in return.
The debate is out on whether this was a good deal for the Guardians and questions have certainly been raised about trading for another first baseman. But for now, let's just focus on Kyle himself.
Who is the newest Guardians prospect?
Manzardo was the 63rd overall pick by the Rays in the 2021 draft. The 23-year-old was with the Durham Bulls (Tampa's Triple-A affiliate) during the time of the trade and has yet to make his Big League debut.
He was the Rays' fourth-ranked prospect in their system and 37th overall in baseball, per MLB Pipeline.
One word can describe Manzardo's player profile; power. He's got all the talent in the world to develop into one of the game's best home run hitters, which is something the Guardians desperately need.
Kyle has hit .291 with an OPS of .935 during his two-year minor-league career.
He's played in 73 games for the Bulls this season slashing .238/.342/.442. The batting average may seem a bit low, but he also has an OPS of .784. Manzardo has also hit 11 home runs in driven in 38 RBI too.
Manzardo is highly regarded in the league. Keith Law of the Athletic describes him as, "a very disciplined hitter who posts strong exit velocities ..." Kyle was also selected to play in the 2023 Futures Game during All-Star weekend.
The Guardians are getting a hitter in Manzardo. It'll take some time for him to reach the Major Leagues as he's currently on the 7-day injured list with a shoulder strain and still has some developing to do in the Minors. However, Kyle could have a big impact once he gets here.
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Read More:
Guardians Trade Aaron Civale To Rays
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Why Oscar Gonzalez Will Be Under Pressure To Perform Immediately
Poor Performance Against White Sox Proves Guardians Still Need Another Bat
Terry Francona Ejected In First Inning As Guardians Take On White Sox
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