The Cleveland Guardians Make Historic No. 1 Pick in MLB Draft
Sunday night marked a significant milestone in Major League Baseball (MLB) history as the Cleveland Guardians made their first-ever No. 1 overall selection in the amateur draft. This coveted spot was earned by picking Oregon State second baseman Travis Bazzana, a momentous occasion for the franchise that had previously never held the top pick in its history.
Historically, the Guardians have had the second pick on five occasions, with the most recent being in 1992. The team's newly acquired top pick, Bazzana, solidifies the franchise's confidence in nurturing fresh talent poised to make a lasting impact on the diamond.
Bazzana’s selection kicks off what will be remembered as a vibrant and strategically diverse draft. Over Sunday night alone, a total of 74 picks were made, shaping the rosters of various teams. These selections spanned through the first and second rounds alongside several compensatory and supplementary phases. The draft event is set to continue at 2 p.m. ET on Tuesday, extending the drama and excitement for MLB fans and scouts alike.
Among the other notable prospects in this year’s draft is Mississippi State outfielder Dakota Jordan, who holds a promising ranking at No. 28 on the top-50 list. However, Jordan does carry concerns as his strikeout rate sits at a striking 31% in his Southeastern Conference (SEC) at-bats. Despite this, according to one insider, "there's star-level upside if Jordan's employer can help him maximize his traits."
Iowa’s Ankeny Centennial high school right-handed pitcher Joey Oakie also garners attention, sitting at No. 42 on the rankings. Oakie is renowned for his fastball-slider combination delivered from a distinctive flat release point—an intriguing attribute that has scouts closely monitoring his development.
Another prospect to watch is Dax Whitney, a right-handed pitcher from Blackfoot High School in Idaho, ranked No. 45. Whitney has shown tangible improvement in his velocity this year, offering a glimpse of his potential to make waves in the professional circuit.
In terms of collegiate players, the performance of Northeastern outfielder Mike Sirota is particularly noteworthy. Ranked No. 47, Sirota boasts a disciplined approach at the plate, having walked more frequently than he struck out this season. Additionally, his exemplary performance last summer in the Cape Cod League has elevated his status among scouts.
Tennessee’s Drew Beam, ranked No. 49, isn't far behind. While insiders predict that "Beam ought to still come off the board somewhat early on Day 2," it will be fascinating to see where he eventually lands.
Diversifying the pool of promising pitchers, Wake Forest’s left-hander Josh Hartle posted a 5.79 ERA over 15 games this season. Although there is room for improvement, his potential can't be overlooked. Clemson’s Tristan Smith, another southpaw, demonstrated less control on the mound, issuing more than six walks per nine innings over two seasons with the Tigers.
Adding to the list of compelling prospects, Texas Tech's Kevin Bazzell has shown a resilient and robust performance. Battling mononucleosis earlier this year, Bazzell has still managed to hit .330/.431/.530 with 16 home runs over two seasons. An observer notes, "In addition to projecting as a catcher at the next level, Bazzell was an accomplished collegiate hitter."
Peyton Stovall of Arkansas has also had a commendable season, impressing with a .315/.390/.532 average in conference play. Meanwhile, Virginia Tech third baseman Carson DeMartini made headlines by hitting 21 home runs, though he struck out in nearly 28% of his at-bats this season.
As the MLB draft continues, teams are strategically banking on these young talents to rise and fulfill their potential. Each pick reflects a calculated risk, a meticulous evaluation of stats, and the indescribable gut feeling that scouts develop over years spent identifying future stars.
This year’s draft has already begun narrating a story of promise, resilience, and the adventurous spirit of baseball—a narrative that baseball aficionados and insiders will continue to follow with keen interest as the new crop of players embarks on their professional journeys.