Kyle Manzardo Is Ready For The Big Leagues, Guardians Prospects

Cleveland Guardians prospect Kyle Manzardo finished with a .905 OPS in the 2023 Arizona Fall League.

The 2023 Arizona Fall League was a coming-out party for a number of top MLB prospects. 

One of the players who took the league by storm was the Cleveland Guardians' own Kyle Manzardo. 

The talented prospect's performance down in the desert proved to everyone that he is ready to make the jump to the Big Leagues in 2024.

Manzardo played 22 games in the AFL, finishing with a slash line of .272/.340/.565 and an OPS of .905. He also hit six home runs, which ranked tied for third in the league. 

Kyle Manzardo playing in the 2023 Arizona Fall League / Photo Credit: Bill Mitchell

This performance propelled Manzardo to both the AFL Home Run Derby and Fall Stars Game, where he hit an estimated 433-foot home run to lead the American League to a win.

During the AFL season, it was hard not to think about how Manzardo fits into Cleveland's lineup ahead of its 2024 season. 

The Guardians need some pop in their lineup, and based on what we've seen from Manzardo since he was traded to Cleveland, it certainly looks like he can be the answer to that. 

A tandem of him and Josh Naylor at first base and designated hitter throughout the season could be a dream scenario for the Guardians.

Manzardo described playing in the AFL as, "a really fun season man. It's been a ride, to say the least. A really challenging year for me personally, but it's fun to, you know, end on a high note."

Manzardo is currently Cleveland's second-ranked prospect, per MLB Pipeline. His ETA to MLB was initially set for during the 2023 season. 

However, the trade and a left shoulder injury put this timing on a delay.

There's no reason why Manzardo shouldn't be on the Guardians' active roster in 2024.