A second-year breakout from Kyle Manzardo is just what the Cleveland Guardians need to compete in 2025

In case anyone hasn't noticed by now, there have been some changes in the infield of the Cleveland Guardians. Josh Naylor is now a member of the Arizona Diamondbacks organization following a trade in the offseason, and taking his place is longtime fan favorite Carlos Santana, who is returning for a third go-around in Cleveland. While Santana's return could help offset the offensive contributions lost from trading Naylor, the true source of production at the plate that could make the impact the Guardians are looking for could come from Kyle Manzardo.

Manzardo made his major league debut last season after being acquired in 2023 from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for Aaron Civale. It was a little rough for Manzardo at first, slashing just .207/.241/.329 with 10 doubles in 30 games. The volume of two-baggers was encouraging, but Manzardo's batting line and lack of home runs were a sign that he was not quite ready for the majors. This resulted in being sent back down to Triple-A midseason for a little tune-up up and it just so happens to be just what he needed.

Upon his return, Manzardo would go on to slash .270/.333/.540 with five home runs and two doubles while driving in eight. This was significantly better than his earlier performance and was what a great number of people expected upon his initial call-up. Manzardo's success would carry over into the postseason, collecting six hits in 19 at-bats with a double and a home run against the Detroit Tigers and New York Yankees.

Clearly, Manzardo is more than capable of being a productive bat, as evidenced by what he was able to accomplish in his final 32 games spanning the regular and postseason. This appears to be a more accurate indicator of his future performance rather than what he displayed during May and June. With this type of production, it sets the table for Manzardo to break out in 2025, an outcome that would greatly benefit the Guardians.

Cleveland is going to need someone to step up and be a complementary bat to Jose Ramirez, and Manzardo certainly looks like he can be exactly that. Should Manzardo build upon the end of his rookie season as expected, there is no telling how successful the Guardians will be in 2025.