It looks like the Guardians have figured the best way to use Kyle Manzardo 

Last season the Cleveland Guardians were desperate to get any kind of power out of their lineup. 

While they got a customary 30 home run season from José Ramírez, their second biggest power output came from Kyle Manzardo, who mashed 27 home runs despite spending most of the year in a time share at first base alongside the light-hitting Carlos Santana. 

The Guardians eventually turned the keys over to Manzardo at the end of the season, and it looks like that’s going to be the case once again in 2026. 

Last week Guardians manager Stephen Vogt held court with the team’s beat via a virtual call on Zoom, where he said some great news in regard to Manzardo’s 2026 playing time. 

“For Kyle, I've talked with him about, ‘Be ready to play first base,’” Vogt said, per MLB.com’s Tim Stebbins. “I think for Kyle to play first base four to five days a week, that puts us in the best position possible to be successful. He's putting in the work both offensively, defensively -- and most importantly, with his body -- to be able to do that.”

Even if Vogt’s comments are a bit of cold comfort considering it seemed like he was in a position to be an everyday player last season, it’s still great news when thinking about the Guardians’ chances to compete next season. 

Kyle Manzardo could be even better for the Guardians in 2026 

Manzardo ended up finishing the 2025 season with a .234/.313/.455 slashline along with those 27 home runs and 70 home runs. Although he struck out 135 times (25.4% strikeout rate), Manzardo provided some Ramírez with some much-needed insurance while also recording three walk-off hits. 

The Guardians’ trade for Manzardo looked like a win at the time (even if it almost resulted in a clubhouse mutiny at the time) and it’s only looked better as time has gone on. The Guardians have always struggled to develop power from their minor league hitters, so they thought out of the box and grabbed a ready-made power prospect in Manzardo. 

Vogt’s right in saying that the best version of the Guardians’ lineup is one with Manzardo in there everyday, and he should have a clear path to do so next season.

There’s no Santana behind him since backup C.J. Kayfus can also play right field, and he also won’t have to worry about David Fry only being able to play as a designated hitter. 

Manzardo spending more time at first base would also be a clear win in that it would provide another avenue for the Guardians to get Chase DeLauter, George Valera or another young player in the lineup via the designated hitter role.

Eighty-four of Manzardo’s appearances last season came at DH, so getting him in the field frees up more space for everyone. 

The Guardians have stayed away from making a Major League addition to their lineup despite finishing last season with one of the worst units in all of baseball, so getting a strong season out of Manzardo is a need, not a want. 

With that in mind, Vogt’s comments are an encouraging development.