Cleveland Guardians prospect Kyle Manzardo has gained 14 pounds of muscle during the offseason to ready himself for more time at first base in the 2026 season. Manager Stephen Vogt emphasized the 25-year-old's importance to the team's lineup and defensive flexibility. This preparation follows Manzardo's strong 2025 performance, where he ranked second on the team in key offensive stats.
The MLB offseason provides players like Kyle Manzardo a chance to rebuild and refine their skills after the demanding 162-game schedule. For the 25-year-old Guardians infielder, this period has focused on physical conditioning, resulting in a 14-pound muscle gain since the end of the 2025 season.
Manager Stephen Vogt highlighted Manzardo's targeted efforts during a recent Zoom session with local media. "For Kyle, I've talked with him about, ‘Be ready to play first base,’" Vogt said. "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."
Manzardo enters 2026 as a key position player, positioned to bat behind star José Ramírez. In his first full big league year in 2025, he finished second on the team in home runs with 27, RBIs with 70, and OPS at .768, behind only Ramírez in each category. Defensively, he logged 53 starts at first base and 68 as the designated hitter, while Carlos Santana handled 92 starts there before his release on August 28.
Vogt noted Manzardo's growth from experiencing a full season. "He’s starting to really focus on his body and getting bigger and stronger," the manager added. "I think for Kyle, going through your first full season in the big leagues is a different monster. Until you've played 162 games and gone through the rigors of eight months of getting your body prepared every day, you don't know what that feels like. Now Kyle does, and he's showing it in his winter work by putting on the weight that he has."
The Guardians' first-base mix includes versatile players like C.J. Kayfus and David Fry, the latter returning to the field after Tommy John surgery limited him in 2025. Prospects Chase DeLauter and George Valera could factor into outfield and DH roles, enhancing lineup options. Manzardo's expanded role at first base would free up DH spots, providing Vogt greater tactical flexibility for the upcoming campaign.
