Two Guardians Prospects Named To 2024 All-Spring Breakout Second Team
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The Cleveland Guardians had a trio of standout performers in their lone 2024 MLB Spring Breakout game against a team of Cincinnati Reds prospects this past Saturday night.
On Monday, a pair of these players received recognition from MLB Pipeline, as they were named to the inaugural All-Spring Breakout Second Team.
Here are the Guardians’ two 2024 All-Spring Breakout Honorees.
Kyle Manzardo, 1B
This past Saturday night, the 23-year-old hit what eventually turned out to be a game-winning home run in Cleveland’s 6-2 victory.
With two outs in the top of the third inning, Manzardo broke a 2-2 tie with a two-run home run. He ultimately finished 1-for-2 at the plate in the contest, drawing a pair of walks.
Cleveland’s second-ranked prospect and MLB’s 59th-ranked prospect according to MLB Pipeline has also had a productive spring in the 2024 Cactus League. In 13 games so far, he has hit .381 with eight hits, two doubles, two RBI, two walks, and a .934 OPS.
Mar 12, 2024; Surprise, Arizona, USA; Cleveland Guardians designated hitter Kyle Manzardo (73) bats against the Texas Rangers during the second inning at Surprise Stadium.
© Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Andrew Walters, RHP
This past Saturday night, the 23-year-old pitched a very efficient bottom of the seventh inning in relief to end the game.
Walters struck out three of the four batters he faced, with a two-out walk serving as his only blemish of the contest. The Guardians’ 27th-ranked prospect according to MLB Pipeline has yet to make his professional debut after being selected by Cleveland with the 62nd overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft.
Walters had a strong collegiate career at Miami (FL). The right-hander made 71 appearances (one start) in three seasons with the Hurricanes, going 4-1 with a 1.41 ERA, 26 saves, 170 strikeouts, and 22 walks in 102.0 innings of work.
