Dream Guardians starting lineup for the 2026 season

5. Kyle Manzardo, DH 

While Manzardo’s been put into some unfair situations when it comes to his playing time at first base, him splitting his time with Murakami would be a bit different than splitting it with the ghost of Carlos Santana. 

He hit 27 home runs last year behind Ramírez, and he’d be set to do even better next season with Ramírez and Murakami hitting in front of him. 

Manzardo’s hit .234 in two straight seasons and only finished in the 52nd percentile in hard-hit rate, but he keeps growing as a power hitter and should be better if he’s not the only non-Ramírez power option in the lineup. 

The Guardians were forced to use David Fry as their full-time DH last year, so being able to cycle through Manzardo and Murakami at DH would be a clear upgrade.