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How the Guardians Will Utilize First Base in 2024

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The Cleveland Guardians thought they solidified first base when they signed Josh Bell to a two-year deal before the 2023 season. However, the veteran struggled mightily, leaving Cleveland to subsequently trade him to the Miami Marlins at the deadline. First base was once again an open spot in a Guardians organization that struggles to develop offensive talent.

With this issue at hand, the organization reportedly was over the moon when they acquired top prospect Kyle Manzardo from the Tampa Bay Rays for Aaron Civale last July. Manzardo profiles as a bat-first player with great swing decisions and on-base abilities. His approach should allow him to attack pitches he can drive to produce doubles and homers. In the minors last season, he hit 17 homers, 27 doubles, and struck out just 17.5 percent of the time.

Many thought that Manzardo, currently ranked as the sport’s 59th-best prospect by MLB Pipeline, could open the season in the majors. However, Cleveland reassigned the 23-year-old to minor league camp on Monday, which all but ends his chances at making his big league debut on Opening Day.

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While Manzardo develops more in the minors, the Guardians will trot out intriguing names at first base to start the year. Although the long-term first base job seems to be Manzardo’s to lose, these options have a chance to cement their spot in Cleveland’s lineup before he arrives.

Guardians First Base Options for 2024

Josh Naylor

Josh Naylor represents both the best defender and the only established MLB bat among Cleveland’s first base options. Plus, he is arguably the second-biggest offensive threat in the team’s lineup. Over the last two seasons, Naylor has hit .282/.336/.471 in 993 plate appearances with 37 homers and 59 doubles. Per OPS+, his production is 27 percent better than the league-average hitter would have provided. Naylor compliments his offense with solid defense.

In 1,615 career innings at first base, Naylor has earned two Defensive Runs Saved and nine Outs Above Average. He also has experience in corner outfield spots, but a nasty leg injury in 2022 might limit his defensive flexibility. Speaking of injuries, Naylor missed 40 games in 2022 and 41 in 2023 due to a few different ailments. It’s possible that Cleveland used Naylor cautiously in 2023 considering the nature of his 2022 injury. However, Naylor shouldn’t be relied on for 150+ starts, even if he splits time between first and DH.

The Guardians likely plan on, at some point, rotating Naylor and Manzardo through first and DH to give them both playing time. Manzardo also represents a solid replacement if Naylor needs a full day off, meaning Cleveland won’t lose much offense for one game without Naylor. Cleveland could realistically trade him at the deadline if they are out of contention. With two years of club control entering 2024, Naylor is exactly the type of player that the low-revenue squad flips for young talent.

But at least for the first half of the season, Naylor should see plenty of playing time at first base, no matter when Manzardo earns a promotion

Deyvison De Los Santos

Cleveland selected Deyvison De Los Santos in this winter’s Rule 5 Draft. So, De Los Santos must stay in the big leagues for the entire year to remain in the organization. If not, Cleveland must return him to the Arizona Diamondbacks. De Los Santos came up as a third baseman, but he lacks the athleticism, quickness, or arm strength to stay there. Cleveland will likely use him in a part-time role at DH and fill in for Naylor at first on occasion. That said, De Los Santos’ path to staying in the major will rely on his bat.

The 21-year-old impresses with his raw power and exit velocities. This combination, when paired with ideal launch angles, often helps players hit home runs. The Guardians ranked last in homers in 2023 and are desperate, as they often are, to add power to their lineup.

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Cleveland hopes that De Los Santos develops a calmer, selective approach at the plate to tap into that needed power. He will waste his quick bat speed and strength if he continues to chase pitches at his alarming rate.

De Los Santos started slow this spring but worked with Cleveland’s hitting team to make swing adjustments. His work seems to be paying off, as his numbers have greatly improved over the last week. Despite never playing above Double-A, De Los Santos will have to continue working on these adjustments in the major leagues.

The Guardians likely will protect him as much as they can. However, his roster spot could be in jeopardy after a month or two if he doesn’t hit at all. Manzardo could be the first option to take his spot in hopes of injecting life into the Guardians’ offense.

Cleveland Guardians First Base Outlook

The Cleveland Guardians have failed to solidify first base since Carlos Santana‘s departure. While it seems like they found their first baseman of the future in Manzardo, the team will have to wait a little longer to see if that comes to fruition.

But for now, Cleveland’s roster has options, including a clubhouse leader with great MLB production, that can claim the job.

Main Photo: © Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

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