The Cleveland Guardians always had high hopes for Kyle Manzardo.
Otherwise, they wouldn’t have agreed to send a key piece like Aaron Civale out in a trade to get him.
Manzardo, however, struggled to establish himself early on in Ohio.
This is why it’s been so refreshing to watch him take big strides as a slugger this season, taking his slugging percentage all the way from .421 to .518.
When asked about this newfound success, the young infielder raved about the team’s chemistry and how everybody knows and embraces their role (via Carlos Baerga Show):
“Everybody gets along good. There’s no drama. Everybody is going out there with the same goal every night, to just win every day. If you win that game, show up the next day and try to win again. If you lose, show up and try to win the next day. Just trying to win baseball games,” Manzardo said.
What is the #Guardians team chemistry like this year? #GuardsBall
“Everybody is going out there with the same goal every night, to just win every day.
– Kyle Manzardo
presented by Ken Ganley Ford https://t.co/Pq8NE58KSz pic.twitter.com/bo1tKIzHKe
— Carlos Baerga Show (@BaergaShow) April 28, 2025
Manzardo also claimed that he wasn’t aware of his role or where he stood last season, and getting some more clarity and certainty has helped him be more focused this time around.
His new approach at the plate has given manager Stephen Vogt a bit of an unsung hero, and this team was in big need of more power.
The Guardians have gone 15-13 on the season.
They currently sit in second place in the American League Central Division behind only the 18-11 Detroit Tigers, and they’ve proven that last year’s success wasn’t a fluke.
Of course, it hasn’t all been positive.
The bullpen regressed, and there have been some major doubts about Emmanuel Clase.
Nevertheless, this team has what it takes to put together another deep postseason run, and while it’s still early in the year, watching young players like Manzardo blossom should be a beacon of hope for what’s to come down the road.
NEXT:
Guardians’ Key Reliever Leaves Game With Shoulder Injury
