Kyle Manzardo Leads AL To Fall Stars Game Victory, Guardians News
There are plenty of reasons for Cleveland fans to be excited and optimistic about the Cleveland Guardians' 2024 season. One cause of excitement is Kyle Manzardo, the organization's second-ranked prospect per MLB Pipeline.
Manzardo has spent the last month playing in the Arizona Fall League, where he's been making a name for himself. He participated in the AFL Home Run Derby on Saturday night, and then the Fall Stars Game on Sunday evening.
Not only did Manzardo play in the game, but he started and was a key factor in the American League's 6-3 victory over the National League.
Cleveland Guardians prospect Kyle Manzardo high-fives his teammates.
The 23-year-old finished the night 1-for-3 at the plate, which included a go-ahead RBI sac fly in the fourth inning. That's a productive night from a player touted as being a pure hitter.
The highlight of the night, though, was easily Manzardo's solo home run to deep center field, which extended the AL's lead to four runs. This home run was estimated to travel a staggering 433 feet!
The performance that Manzardo is putting on the AFL is the latest evidence that he's got very little left to prove at the Minor League level. The 23-year-old has a batting average of .241 and a .858 OPS this fall.
Cleveland traded one of their best pitchers at the time, Aaron Civale, to the Tampa Bay Rays in order to get the premier first baseman prospect.
Because of this, it would be shocking if he wasn't in the Major League mix and in the Guardians' lineup early in 2024.
