Cleveland Guardians' Kyle Manzardo could have a massive season, thanks to all of the work he's put in this offseason.
Kyle Manzardo has a chance to truly break out during the 2026 season and become one of the premier power threats in the Cleveland Guardians’ lineup. It appears the 25-year-old understands this, as he’s apparently been putting in quite the offseason work to have a big year.
Stephen Vogt has high expectations for Manzardo next season, and recently shared that “we saw him in December. He's put on 14 pounds [of muscle], and he's really starting to really focus on his body and getting bigger and stronger.”
This isn’t to say that Manzardo wasn’t strong or a power threat to begin with; he did hit 27 home runs a year ago. That said, with a beefed-up body, Manzardo could realistically be a 30 or more home run type hitter in 2026, possibly even more.
Of course, being strong is only part of the equation for a player to turn into a star. There’s the experience part, too, and Vogt believes Manzardo has done what he needs to gain that background know-how.
Sep 8, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians designated hitter Kyle Manzardo (9) hits an RBI double against the Kansas City Royals during the first inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images“I think for Kyle, going through your first full season in the big leagues is a different monster. And until you played 162 games and gone through the rigors of eight months of kid in your body prepared every day, you don't know what that feels like,” continued Cleveland’s skipper.
“He's showing it in his winter work by putting on the weight that he has [put on]. I've talked with him about it: be ready to play first base. 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. And he's put in the work both offensively, defensively, and most importantly, with his body to be able to do that.”
With all of the work Manzardo has put in over the offseason, the stars are truly aligning for him to have an impressive year. However, we’ll have to wait and see how Manzardo performs when he shows up to spring training, but Vogt clearly envisions the slugger having a big 2026, and that’s all thanks to Manzardo putting in the work he did over the winter.
Guardians Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Guardians. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.