Kyle Manzardo has rapidly become one of baseball’s most intriguing young talents. The Cleveland Guardians first baseman, known for his powerful left-handed swing and disciplined approach at the plate, has navigated a meteoric rise through the minors to establish himself as a key player in MLB.
This article breaks down his financial standing, career milestones, and personal journey, offering a complete look at his life on and off the field.
Kyle Manzardo’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kyle Thomas Manzardo |
| Date of Birth | July 18, 2000 |
| Age | 24 years old |
| Education | Lake City High School (ID), Washington State University |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5’11” |
| Weight | 205 lbs |
| Turned Pro | 2021 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1.5–2 million |
| 2025 Salary | $800,000 |
| Career Earnings | $1.83 million |
| Instagram/Twitter | N/A |
Early Career
Kyle Manzardo’s early career is a testament to his natural talent and relentless work ethic. Born on July 18, 2000, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Manzardo grew up excelling in multiple sports. At Lake City High School, he showcased his athleticism in both baseball and basketball.
His senior year was particularly outstanding, as he batted an incredible .594 and earned the Inland Empire League MVP title. This followed an already impressive junior season where he hit .471. These achievements cemented his reputation as one of the top high school baseball prospects in Idaho.
Manzardo’s success at the high school level earned him a spot at Washington State University, where he played for the Cougars for three seasons. As a freshman, he immediately made an impact by leading the team with 31 RBIs and hitting for a .272 average. His performance during this time hinted at his potential to become a professional-level hitter.
During the summer after his freshman year, he played for the Portland Pickles in the West Coast League, where he batted an impressive .435 over 16 games, further solidifying his reputation as a rising star.
The COVID-19 pandemic cut short his sophomore season in 2020, but Manzardo didn’t let that slow him down. He joined the Willmar Stingers in the Northwoods League during the summer and continued to refine his skills, hitting .373 against strong competition.
By his junior year in 2021, Manzardo had developed into one of the best hitters in college baseball. He posted a stellar .365 batting average, hit 11 home runs, and drove in 60 RBIs. His consistency and power earned him first-team All-American honors from Collegiate Baseball, marking him as one of the top prospects heading into the MLB Draft.
Manzardo’s early career laid a strong foundation for his professional journey. His ability to consistently hit for both average and power, combined with his disciplined approach at the plate, made him a standout player at every level he competed in before turning pro. From dominating high school leagues to becoming a collegiate All-American, Manzardo’s rise was marked by hard work and an unwavering focus on improvement.
Professional Career
Kyle Manzardo’s professional career has been marked by rapid progression through the minor leagues and a promising start in Major League Baseball (MLB). Drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays in the second round of the 2021 MLB Draft (63rd overall), Manzardo began his professional journey with high expectations.
He signed with the Rays and debuted in the Rookie-level Florida Complex League, where he immediately impressed with a .349 batting average, two home runs, and eight RBIs in just 13 games. His advanced approach at the plate and ability to generate power quickly set him apart as a rising star.
In 2022, Manzardo started the season with the High-A Bowling Green Hot Rods and delivered an outstanding performance. Over 63 games, he slashed .329/.436/.636 with 17 home runs and 55 RBIs, showcasing his ability to hit for both average and power. His success earned him a midseason promotion to Double-A Montgomery, where he continued to refine his skills against tougher competition.
By the end of the year, he had firmly established himself as one of Tampa Bay’s top prospects and was named Minor League Player of the Year by the Rays Baseball Operations department.
Manzardo’s career took a significant turn on July 31, 2023, when he was traded to the Cleveland Guardians in exchange for starting pitcher Aaron Civale. The trade underscored his value as a prospect and positioned him as a key piece in Cleveland’s future plans. After joining the Guardians organization, Manzardo played for their Triple-A affiliate, the Columbus Clippers, where he continued to demonstrate his offensive potential.
On May 6, 2024, Manzardo made his MLB debut for the Cleveland Guardians against the Detroit Tigers. His first stint in the majors presented challenges as he adjusted to big-league pitching. Over his initial 30 games, he posted a .571 OPS while struggling to find consistency at the plate.
However, after being sent back to Triple-A for further development, Manzardo returned to the Guardians on September 1, 2024. That same day, he delivered a breakout performance by hitting his first two career home runs in a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Manzardo concluded his rookie season with a .234 batting average, five home runs, and 15 RBIs across 53 games. While his numbers reflected some growing pains typical of first-year players, his potential was evident in flashes of brilliance at the plate. Defensively, he was reliable at first base, completing his debut season without committing an error.
As of 2025, Manzardo remains an integral part of Cleveland’s plans. He started the season strong with a home run on Opening Day against the Kansas City Royals, signaling his readiness to take on a more prominent role in the Guardians’ lineup. With his blend of power, discipline, and defensive reliability, Kyle Manzardo is poised to become a cornerstone player for Cleveland in the years ahead.
Kyle Manzardo’s Net Worth Details
Kyle Manzardo’s net worth is estimated to be between $1.5 million and $2 million as of 2025.
Contract
Kyle Manzardo is currently under a one-year pre-arbitration contract with the Cleveland Guardians for the 2025 MLB season. The contract guarantees him a base salary of $800,000, which is also his total annual salary for this year. As a pre-arbitration player, Manzardo’s earnings are determined by the league’s minimum salary guidelines and his performance, with no additional signing bonuses or incentives included in this deal.
- Duration: 1 year
- Total Salary: $800,000
- Guaranteed Amount: $800,000
- Average Annual Salary: $800,000
- Signing Bonus: None
Salary
Kyle Manzardo’s salary for the 2025 MLB season is $800,000. He is under a one-year pre-arbitration contract with the Cleveland Guardians, which guarantees him this base salary without any signing bonuses or additional incentives. This salary reflects his status as a young player still in the early stages of his MLB career, where earnings are determined by league minimums and team evaluations rather than arbitration or free agency negotiations.
- Base Salary: $800,000
- Signing Bonus: None
- Total Salary: $800,000
Career Earnings
| Year | Age | Team | Base Salary | Signing Bonus | Total Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 20 | Tampa Bay Rays | – | $747,500 | $747,500 |
| 2024 | 23 | Cleveland Guardians | $282,438 | – | $282,438 |
| 2025 | 24 | Cleveland Guardians | $800,000 | – | $800,000 |
Career Stats
| Season | Team | GP | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | BB | SO | SB | AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | CLE | 53 | 145 | 11 | 34 | 12 | 0 | 5 | 15 | 9 | 41 | 0 | .234 | .282 | .421 | .703 |
| 2025 | CLE | 1 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | .750 | .800 | 2.250 | 3.050 |
| Career | CLE | 54 | 149 | 13 | 37 | 13 | 1 | 6 | 19 | 10 | 42 | 0 | .248 | .298 | .470 | .768 |
FAQs
1. What is Kyle Manzardo’s nationality and which MLB organization is she with?
Manzardo is an American baseball player who plays first base and designated hitter for the Cleveland Guardians, making her way up through the minor leagues and now earning MLB attention.
2. When and how was Manzardo drafted, and by which team?
She was selected in the second round of the 2021 MLB Draft by the Tampa Bay Rays after a prolific college career at Washington State University, where she hit for strong average and power.
3. How did Manzardo perform in college, and what was her reputation there?
Manzardo starred for Washington State, earning All-American honors and ranking among the Pac-12 leaders in batting average, home runs, and RBIs throughout her college seasons.
4. What is Manzardo’s hitting profile and offensive strengths?
She is known for excellent plate discipline, a compact left-handed swing, high contact rate, and the ability to drive the ball to all fields with power, making her a consistent threat at the plate.
5. Which levels in the minor leagues has Manzardo progressed through, and how has she performed?
Manzardo advanced quickly, showcasing high on-base and slugging percentages. She hit double-digit homers at Double-A and Triple-A before making her MLB debut with the Guardians.
6. What are some of the notable accolades or recognition Manzardo has received as a prospect?
She was named to the MLB Futures Game, consistently ranked among Baseball America’s and MLB Pipeline’s top 100 prospects, and regarded as one of the best pure hitters in the minor leagues.
7. What positions does Manzardo play defensively, and how does she rate with the glove?
Manzardo primarily plays first base, where she is considered a capable defender with soft hands and good footwork, providing stability to the infield.
8. Has Manzardo faced any injuries or setbacks in her professional career?
She missed part of the 2023 minor league season due to a minor injury but returned quickly, resuming strong play and continuing her development without significant long-term issues.
9. How do coaches and teammates describe Manzardo’s approach and work ethic?
Coaches and teammates highlight her mature plate approach, focus on improvement, and steady demeanor in high-pressure situations, making her a favorite in the clubhouse.
10. What are Manzardo’s goals as her MLB career continues?
Manzardo aims to establish herself as a regular MLB starter, deliver consistent offensive production, and contribute to the Guardians’ playoff chase as a cornerstone bat in the lineup.
