Kyle Manzardo -- General News
General News sources for Kyle Manzardo of the Cleveland Guardians
Kyle Manzardo arrived at Cleveland Guardians spring training 15 pounds heavier, the result of a deliberate offseason strength and conditioning program. The added muscle mass—achieved through high-protein meals heavy on steak and chicken—was designed to increase his power output while improving his physical durability across a full 162-game season.
In his first full MLB season in 2025, Manzardo hit .234 with 27 home runs, 19 doubles, and 70 RBIs while batting cleanup. He demonstrated meaningful improvement in the season's second half, posting a .811 OPS over his final 60 games compared to .735 OPS in his first 82 games. This improvement coincided with a shortened swing approach that improved his ability to get to pitches more quickly.
Manzardo's development focus for 2026 has shifted from raw power production to situational hitting. While a 30-home season would represent a notable milestone, Manzardo emphasized that increased RBIs and better baserunning situations are more meaningful targets. He stated: "I can't go up there and try to hit a home run every time. It's going to lead to some good things happening but, over the course of the year it's going to hurt us at times when I just need to get a runner over so we can score." This refined approach aligns with the Guardians' effort to improve their 28th-ranked offense from 2025.