Sunday night marked a significant moment in Major League Baseball as the amateur draft began with the Cleveland Guardians making history. For the first time in their franchise's existence, the Guardians held the No. 1 overall pick and they selected Oregon State second baseman Travis Bazzana. This monumental pick positioned the team on a new trajectory, aiming to capitalize on this unique opportunity.
The Guardians had never previously possessed the top pick in the draft. Historically, they had picked second on five different occasions, most recently in 1992. With Bazzana now part of their roster, the Guardians are looking to elevate their game and leverage his potential to its fullest.
Draft Night Highlights
A total of 74 picks were made on Sunday, covering the first and second rounds along with several compensatory and supplementary phases. This initial night set the stage for the continuation of the draft, which will resume at 2 p.m. ET on Tuesday.
Among the notable prospects in the draft, Dakota Jordan from Mississippi State garnered significant attention. Ranked No. 28 on the top-50 list, Jordan is an outfielder known for his remarkable athletic traits, though his 31% strikeout rate in SEC at-bats raises some concerns. Nevertheless, one insider expressed optimism, stating, "There's star-level upside if Jordan's employer can help him maximize his traits."
Pitching Prospects to Watch
Joey Oakie, a right-handed pitcher from Ankeny Centennial in Iowa, is another compelling talent ranked at No. 42. Oakie features a fastball-slider combination delivered from a distinctive flat release point, which makes him a fascinating prospect for teams looking to fortify their pitching roster.
A similar right-handed pitching prospect is Dax Whitney from Blackfoot High School in Idaho. Ranked No. 45, Whitney has shown noteworthy improvement in his velocity this year, demonstrating his potential to develop into a reliable pitcher at the professional level.
Budding Outfielders and Developing Catchers
Several outfielders are making waves in this year's draft class. Mike Sirota from Northeastern, ranked No. 47, has impressed scouts with his plate discipline, walking more frequently than he struck out this season. His performance in the Cape Cod League last summer also affirms his capability to adapt and excel in different environments.
Drew Beam from Tennessee, ranked No. 49, is another name to remember. A source close to the draft proceedings commented, "Beam ought to still come off the board somewhat early on Day 2." His potential to be picked early speaks volumes about his perceived value among major league scouts.
Challenging Seasons and Future Potential
Josh Hartle, a left-handed pitcher from Wake Forest, had a tough season with a 5.79 ERA over 15 games. Nevertheless, his raw talent and pitching mechanics keep him in consideration for teams looking for a left-handed option. On the other hand, Tristan Smith from Clemson has struggled with control, issuing more than six walks per nine innings over two seasons. However, his southpaw pitching adds variety to his profile, potentially intriguing teams willing to invest in refining his control.
Kevin Bazzell of Texas Tech presents a dynamic offensive profile, having batted .330/.431/.530 with 16 home runs over two seasons. Despite overcoming mononucleosis earlier this year, his resilience was evident. One observer noted, "In addition to projecting as a catcher at the next level, Bazzell was an accomplished collegiate hitter."
Infield Stars and Power Hitters
In the infield, Peyton Stovall from Arkansas stands out as a solid contender. As a second baseman, Stovall hit .315/.390/.532 in conference play. His consistent performance makes him an asset for any team seeking a reliable infielder with a steady bat.
Carson DeMartini from Virginia Tech is another notable infielder who hit 21 home runs this season. Despite having struck out in nearly 28% of his trips to the plate, his power-hitting ability has drawn attention from several scouts.
As the draft continues, teams will closely monitor these promising talents, evaluating their potential to shape the future of Major League Baseball. Each prospect brings unique skills and challenges, making them valuable assets as the teams strategize their picks for the next rounds.