The offseason is a perfect time for a team to take inventory of its roster positions. There are certainly some areas where the Cleveland Guardians could add some more depth, but one position in particular jumps out as a strength in terms of depth right now, and for years to come: first base. 

Guardians’ Top Two Options at the  MLB Level

The Guardians still have two young first basemen with the potential to be stars in the lineup for years to come: CJ Kayfus and Kyle Manzardo.

In Manzardo’s first full MLB season, he hit 27 home runs with a .768 OPS. He certainly had some up and down moments throughout the years, but the possibility of being a star is still there. Manzardo’s defense at first is still questionable, but it should only get better with more opportunities there.

Kayfus made his MLB debut at the beginning of July, and while he played more games in the outfield (29) than at first base (17), the right side of the infield is still his natural position.

Like Manzardo, Kayfus will only get better in the batter’s box and at first with more opportunities. Right now, this is the duo that will likely be Cleveland’s first base/designated hitter tandem to start 2026. 

The Versatile First Baseman

Even though David Fry has played just about every position at the big-league level, excluding center field, the spot he’s spent the most time at is first base. Unfortunately, Fry was unable to play in the field in 2025 after offseason Tommy John surgery in 2024. 

Assuming Fry will be able to move around the diamond again next year, the Guardians will take advantage of that versatility, but still, he’ll likely be in line to see time at first base, especially with a left-handed pitcher on the mound. 

Jhonkensy Noel is another example of a player who transitioned to the outfield after making his professional debut. The righty actually came up through Cleveland’s farm system as an infielder at third and first base.  

Toward the end of the season, Noel saw more time at first base, and he looked solid there, definitely, too. If Big Christmas is on Cleveland’s MLB roster next year, he could very well see some time there.

Cleveland’s Depth Down on the Farm

One of Cleveland’s most exciting and promising prospects is also a first baseman. 

Currently, Ralphy Velazquez is ranked as the Guardians' No. 9 prospect, but that could change with spring prospect rankings, with the 20-year-old having an incredible end to the minor league season.  During the final month of the season, Ralphy had an OPS of 1.038 with a wRC+ of 196. 

At the very earliest, Velazquez could make his MLB debut in the middle of 2027, but that’s still a ways off. 

With Kayfus, Manzardo, Fry, and possibly Noel all in the picture at the MLB level right now, and Ralphy on the way in a few years, Cleveland is all set at first base for seasons to come.