Sunday night heralded the beginning of Major League Baseball's amateur draft with the Cleveland Guardians making a historic first overall pick. For the first time in their illustrious history, the Guardians selected Oregon State second baseman Travis Bazzana at the No. 1 spot. The franchise, which had never held the top pick before, broke new ground with this selection.
The significance of the Guardians' first-ever No. 1 pick cannot be overstated, given their history of being the second pick five times, the most recent occurrence in 1992. Their choice of Bazzana underscores their dedication to strengthening their infield with a player who can make an immediate impact.
A Total of 74 Picks on Opening Night
On the first night of the draft, a total of 74 picks were made, covering the first and second rounds as well as several compensatory and supplementary phases. The event resumes on Tuesday at 2 p.m. ET, where teams will continue to build their rosters with budding talent.
Top Prospects and Their Potential
One of the notable prospects discussed ahead of the draft was Dakota Jordan, an intriguing outfielder from Mississippi State, ranked No. 28 on the top-50 list. Despite a concerning strikeout rate of 31% in his SEC at-bats, scouts remain optimistic about his potential. One insider claimed, "There's star-level upside if Jordan's employer can help him maximize his traits."
Meanwhile, Joey Oakie, a right-handed pitcher from Ankeny Centennial in Iowa, also garnered significant attention. Ranked No. 42, Oakie boasts a fastball-slider combination delivered from a distinctive flat release point, adding an element of unpredictability to his pitching.
Dax Whitney, a right-handed pitcher from Blackfoot High School in Idaho, is another prospect on the rise, ranked No. 45. Whitney has shown considerable improvement in his velocity this year, making him a compelling pick for any team looking to bolster their pitching rotation with a young arm.
Under-the-Radar Talent
Among the less highlighted but equally promising prospects is Mike Sirota, an outfielder from Northeastern, ranked No. 47. Sirota not only performed exceptionally well in the Cape Cod League last summer but walked more frequently than he struck out this season, showcasing his plate discipline and potential as a reliable hitter.
Another prospect to keep an eye on is Drew Beam from Tennessee, ranked No. 49. His potential has not gone unnoticed, with one source noting, "Beam ought to still come off the board somewhat early on Day 2."
Collegiate Standouts
Prospects like Josh Hartle from Wake Forest and Tristan Smith from Clemson also drew scouts' attention, though both have areas that need refinement. Hartle, a left-handed pitcher, posted a 5.79 ERA over 15 games this season, while Smith, another southpaw, issued more than six walks per nine innings over two seasons with the Tigers.
Adding to the list of promising college-level players is Kevin Bazzell from Texas Tech. Bazzell batted .330/.431/.530 with 16 home runs over two seasons and overcame mononucleosis earlier this year. Notably, he projects as a catcher at the next level, with one observer stating, "In addition to projecting as a catcher at the next level, Bazzell was an accomplished collegiate hitter."
Highlights from the Infield
Infielders like Peyton Stovall from Arkansas and Carson DeMartini from Virginia Tech are also making waves. Stovall hit .315/.390/.532 in conference play, while DeMartini showcased his power with 21 home runs this season, despite striking out nearly 28% of the time.
As the draft progresses, baseball enthusiasts and teams alike will be closely monitoring these prospects and more, eager to see how they will shape the future of their franchises. The Guardians' bold choice in selecting Bazzana first overall sets the tone for an exciting draft, filled with anticipation and the promise of new talent emerging from the college ranks into the professional spotlight.