Fansided

5 most underrated prospects dealt at the MLB trade deadline

By Roger Castillo

Mar 12, 2023; Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Kyle Manzardo (73) hits a home run during the fourth inning against the New York Mets at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 12, 2023; Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Kyle Manzardo (73) hits a home run during the fourth inning against the New York Mets at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 12, 2023; Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays catcher Kyle Manzardo (73) waits on a batter during the third inning against the New York Mets at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 12, 2023; Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays catcher Kyle Manzardo (73) waits on a batter during the third inning against the New York Mets at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

1. 1B Kyle Manzardo: Cleveland Guardians (Rays)

When this trade was first announced, the writing on the wall was clear that Josh Bell was not going to be back in Cleveland after a lackluster performance in his first season with the Guardians. But then Cleveland was able to offload him to the Marlins late on Tuesday to make room for Manzardo, who now has a chance to become an everyday regular.

Despite injuries and struggling with the prospect expectations that came with him in 2023, Manzardo is a player that Cleveland has under club control longer than Bell, who could have opted out after this season.

The upside on Manzardo is above average bat-to-ball skills with the potential to put up some power numbers, something Cleveland needs desperately. They are dead last in the league with 82 and even if Manzardo stays at Triple-A Columbus for the rest of the season, it provides optimism heading into the 2024 season.

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