Cleveland Guardians Select Travis Bazzana as Top Overall Pick in 2024 MLB Draft

In a historic move, the Cleveland Guardians selected Oregon State second baseman Travis Bazzana as the number one overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft. This marks the first time a second baseman has been chosen with the top overall selection. Bazzana, a native of Sydney, Australia, has been touted as one of the top prospects in the draft class, and his impressive skills on the field have earned him a spot in the Guardians’ lineup.

As a junior, Bazzana batted an impressive.407 with a 1.479 OPS, 28 home runs, 66 RBI, and 16 stolen bases. He holds Oregon State records for home runs in a single season (28) and in program history (45), and is the Beavers’ all-time leader in hits with 251. His arm may limit him to second base defensively, but he has the range to play well there, and a future in the outfield is also possible due to his speed.

Bazzana’s impressive hitting skills have been honed through his experience playing with a wood bat in the West Coast League, where he won MVP honors with a.429 average, 1.064 OPS, 18 doubles, and 27 RBI. His ability to make subtle swing changes and maximize his offensive potential has been a key factor in his success.

The Cleveland Guardians’ selection of Bazzana marks their highest draft pick since choosing Paul Shuey No. 2 overall in 1992. He is the second Oregon State player to be chosen with the first overall pick, following Adley Rutschman, who was selected by the Baltimore Orioles in 2019. Bazzana is the first Beavers star to be drafted by the Guardians since selecting Steven Kwan, a 2024 All-Star starter, in the fifth round of the 2018 draft.

With his impressive skills and potential for growth, Travis Bazzana is poised to make a significant impact in the MLB. The Cleveland Guardians have made a smart move in selecting him as their top overall pick, and fans are eagerly anticipating his debut in the league.