Guardians' Manzardo Bulks Up for 2026 Season

First baseman added muscle and weight to stay strong through the full season.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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After a strong rookie season in 2025, Guardians first baseman Kyle Manzardo spent the offseason bulking up, adding 14 pounds of weight, including 7-8 pounds of lean muscle mass. The team wanted Manzardo to get bigger and stronger to avoid wearing down over the long season. Manzardo says he focused on clean eating and getting enough protein to pack on the extra weight. While his spring training numbers haven't been great so far, the Guardians are optimistic the added strength will pay off during the regular season.

Why it matters

Manzardo was a key contributor to the Guardians' offense in 2025, finishing second on the team in home runs and RBIs. However, he struggled down the stretch and in the playoffs, leading the team to push him to get bigger and stronger in the offseason. If the added muscle helps Manzardo maintain his production over a full season, it could be a major boost for the Guardians' lineup.

The details

Manzardo reported to spring training this year weighing 214 pounds, up from around 200 pounds at the end of last season. He says he spent more time in the weight room and focused on clean eating and getting enough protein to add the extra muscle. Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said the team wanted Manzardo to be able to play first base 4-5 days a week without wearing down. While Manzardo's spring training stats haven't been great so far, hitting coach Grant Fink says the added strength has led to the ball coming off his bat harder in batting practice and games.

  • Manzardo ended the 2025 season around 200 pounds.
  • This spring, Manzardo reported to camp weighing 214 pounds.

The players

Kyle Manzardo

A first baseman for the Cleveland Guardians who had a strong rookie season in 2025, finishing second on the team in home runs and RBIs.

Stephen Vogt

The manager of the Cleveland Guardians who sent Manzardo home in the offseason with instructions to get bigger and stronger for the 2026 season.

Grant Fink

The hitting coach for the Cleveland Guardians who is pleased with the added strength and power Manzardo has shown in batting practice and games this spring.

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What they’re saying

“I just spent more time in the weight room than I have in years past. It's always easier to gain weight, but I was more conscious about what I was eating, especially over the holidays.”

— Kyle Manzardo (cleveland.com)

“We wanted Kyle to go through the winter and prepare to play first base four or five days a week. We won't know how we shake out until we get into the flow of the season, but Kyle did a tremendous job putting on strength.”

— Stephen Vogt, Manager (cleveland.com)

“Oh, no, we're pumped about it. I mean, we challenged him going into this offseason about taking the weight room seriously and coming back and transforming his body and he responded to that. In his at-bats and early batting practice, the ball is coming off his bat hotter.”

— Grant Fink, Hitting Coach (cleveland.com)

What’s next

The Guardians will continue to monitor Manzardo's progress throughout spring training and into the regular season to see if the added muscle and weight translates to improved production and durability over a full 162-game schedule.

The takeaway

Manzardo's offseason transformation highlights the Guardians' commitment to developing their young talent and setting them up for long-term success. If the added strength helps Manzardo avoid the late-season fatigue that plagued him in 2025, it could be a major boost for the Guardians' lineup and their chances of returning to the playoffs in 2026.