The Cleveland Guardians face a challenging 2025 season following their surprising success last year. Despite winning the AL Central division and reaching the ALCS, the team did not make significant offseason moves, and some experts suggest they relied heavily on luck in 2024. A key figure in their 2025 aspirations is Kyle Manzardo, expected to step up after a lackluster 2024 season. With the departure of Josh Naylor and Andrés Giménez, the Guardians need Manzardo to harness his minor league potential and provide offensive firepower alongside José Ramírez.

If Manzardo and Jhonkensy Noel don’t deliver, Cleveland could struggle offensively. The reliance on young talent and the lack of depth in proven hitters raises concerns about their ability to replicate last season's magic.

The 2025 MLB season presents a unique landscape for fantasy baseball managers at first base, a position that has become increasingly top-heavy. While elite talents like Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bryce Harper, and Freddie Freeman dominate early drafts, many teams may find themselves scrambling for value later on. However, there are several under-the-radar players poised for breakout seasons. Tyler Soderstrom, Kyle Manzardo, Deyvison De Los Santos, and Nolan Schanuel each have the potential to exceed their current rankings and provide significant returns for fantasy teams.

Soderstrom, coming off a wrist injury, displayed promising power numbers in a hitter-friendly environment. Meanwhile, Manzardo, with limited MLB experience, has shown impressive minor league stats and could capitalize on a change in team dynamics. Deyvison De Los Santos, the 2024 First Base Prospect of the Year, brings raw power, while Nolan Schanuel's consistent performance hints at potential growth. These players offer intriguing options for savvy managers willing to look beyond established stars.

A deep dive into undervalued hitters with an NFBC ADP of 300 or later unveils potential gems for savvy fantasy managers. Joc Pederson, with an ADP of 389, is set to thrive in Texas, moving from a low power park to Globe Life Field. His recent impressive stats suggest he could be a steal in drafts.

Jonathan Aranda's shift to the Rays and a strong finish last season positions him well to capitalize on improved offensive conditions. With an ADP of 399.8, he's a name to watch. Similarly, Jonny DeLuca, although having a rough start, showcases speed and past power potential that could see him exceed his 417.6 ADP.

Thairo Estrada, now with the Rockies, offers intriguing upside at 423.9 ADP, benefitting from Coors Field's favorable hitting environment. Finally, Kyle Manzardo, ADP 462.3, showed promise late last season, indicating potential breakout appeal. These players could provide solid returns against their draft positions.

The focus on fantasy baseball sleepers for the 2025 season is heating up, especially with the Super Bowl just around the corner. Analysts highlight players likely to outperform their average draft positions. Josh Lowe's potential for a 20-20 season is emphasized, with expectations of improved performance moving from Tropicana Field to a more favorable environment for left-handed hitters. Kyle Manzardo is recognized for his power potential after a successful end to the last season in Cleveland. Meanwhile, Matt Chapman, now with the Giants, is projected to continue his solid production while also being perceived as undervalued in drafts. Other promising names include Parker Meadows and Trevor Larnach, both of whom are positioned for potential breakout seasons due to improved lineups and opportunities. José Tena of the Nationals is another sleeper, combining power and speed in a bolstered lineup.

The Cleveland Guardians are facing significant offensive challenges as the 2024 season comes to a close, struggling to improve upon their lackluster performance from the previous year. The team made a controversial move by trading away Josh Naylor and bringing in 37-year-old Carlos Santana, raising questions about their strategy for bolstering their lineup.

Looking ahead to 2025, the Guardians are relying heavily on their young hitters to step up, particularly Kyle Manzardo. Projections from Dan Szymborski at FanGraphs suggest that Manzardo could have a breakout year, forecasting a batting line of .247/.334/.445 with 18 home runs and 65 RBIs over 491 plate appearances. This would mark a considerable improvement from his previous season, where he only managed a .234 average with five home runs.

For the Guardians to alleviate the impact of Naylor's departure, Manzardo’s performance will be crucial. His potential resurgence, alongside expected contributions from star player José Ramirez and other young talents like Jhonkensy Noel, is imperative for the team's success. However, there are still concerns over the lack of additional offensive acquisitions, and time is running out before the start of the regular season.