Sunday night marked the commencement of Major League Baseball's amateur draft, an event eagerly anticipated by fans and teams alike. The Cleveland Guardians made a historic decision, selecting Oregon State second baseman Travis Bazzana with the first overall pick. This selection is particularly noteworthy as it marks the first time in the franchise's history that they have held the No. 1 pick.
The Guardians, a team that has previously held the second overall pick five times — most recently in 1992 — have now added a promising talent to their roster. Bazzana, known for his athleticism and skill at second base, is expected to make a significant impact in the organization.
The Draft Continues
A total of 74 picks were made on Sunday night, spanning the first and second rounds along with several compensatory and supplementary phases. The draft will continue at 2 p.m. ET on Tuesday, providing teams with further opportunities to bolster their lineups.
Top Prospects
Among the standout prospects in the draft, Dakota Jordan from Mississippi State has attracted considerable attention. Jordan, an outfielder, is ranked No. 28 on the top-50 list. Despite a strikeout rate of 31% in his SEC at-bats, an insider optimistically noted, "There's star-level upside if Jordan's employer can help him maximize his traits."
Another intriguing prospect is Joey Oakie, a right-handed pitcher from Ankeny Centennial (IA), ranked No. 42. Oakie features a fastball-slider combination delivered from a distinctive flat release point, making him a unique asset on the mound.
Dax Whitney, also a right-handed pitcher, hails from Blackfoot High School in Idaho and is ranked No. 45. Whitney has shown improvement in his velocity this year, catching the eyes of scouts and analysts alike.
Other Notable Picks
Mike Sirota, an outfielder from Northeastern, is ranked No. 47. Sirota's performance this season has been commendable; he walked more frequently than he struck out and performed well in the Cape Cod League last summer, enhancing his appeal as a draft pick.
Drew Beam from Tennessee, ranked No. 49 on the top-50 list, is another name to watch. A source mentioned, "Beam ought to still come off the board somewhat early on Day 2," indicating his strong potential in the draft's subsequent rounds.
Josh Hartle, a left-handed pitcher from Wake Forest, had a challenging season with a 5.79 ERA over 15 games but remains a notable talent. Meanwhile, Tristan Smith from Clemson, known for his southpaw pitching, issued more than six walks per nine innings over two seasons with the Tigers, highlighting a potential area for improvement.
Promising Hitters
Kevin Bazzell from Texas Tech demonstrated resilience and skill, batting .330/.431/.530 with 16 home runs over two seasons despite overcoming mononucleosis earlier this year. An observer stated, "In addition to projecting as a catcher at the next level, Bazzell was an accomplished collegiate hitter," underlining his dual potential.
Peyton Stovall, a second baseman from Arkansas, also had an impressive season, hitting .315/.390/.532 in conference play. His consistent performance adds depth to the pool of promising hitters in this year's draft.
Carson DeMartini, a third baseman from Virginia Tech, showcased his power by hitting 21 home runs this season. However, his strikeout rate of nearly 28% is an area to watch as he transitions to the professional level.
As the draft progresses, teams will continue to evaluate and select from a rich roster of talent, each prospect ready to seize the opportunity and make their mark in Major League Baseball.