Kyle Manzardo

Known as one of the best pure college hitters in the 2021 draft, Manzardo was a nice FYPD sleeper for dynasty, but he was available for the Rays in the second round due to his defensive limitations (first base and DH only) and perceived lack of impact power. The hit tool was even better than advertised - he projects as a 70-grade hitter - and the power appears to be well ahead of where public scouts thought it would be. Manzardo logged a 33.5 Hard%, .328/.427/.619 slash line, 16.4 K%, 14.9 BB% and 22 home runs in 93 games between High-A and Double-A. He has garnered some Vinnie Pasquantino comps, but Manzardo was two years younger than Pasquantino when he laid waste to those levels of the minors, and is therefore a more well-regarded prospect at the same stage of development. The pesky Rays are rightfully not to be trusted when it comes to projecting regular playing time for young players, but Manzardo is unequivocally the best hitter to come through this system since Wander Franco, so he could be the exception to the rule. The lefty-hitting Manzardo doesn't have to be added to the 40-man roster in 2023, so he would really have to kick the door down in order to debut this season. He had an .819 OPS against same-handed pitching, so while a platoon is possible, it isn't guaranteed. Read Past Outlooks