Guardians Make History with No. 1 Pick, Select Oregon State's Travis Bazzana
On Sunday night, Major League Baseball set the stage for its latest crop of future stars as the 2023 amateur draft commenced. This year's draft saw the Cleveland Guardians, previously unaccustomed to holding the No. 1 overall pick, stepping into uncharted territory by selecting Oregon State second baseman Travis Bazzana as the first overall pick.
This was a historic moment for the Guardians, as they had never previously enjoyed the privilege of the No. 1 pick in their storied history. Interestingly, the team had been the No. 2 pick on five separate occasions, with the most recent being in 1992, but this was their inaugural experience at the top spot.
First Night Highlights
Over the course of Sunday night, teams made a total of 74 selections, covering the first and second rounds in addition to several compensatory and supplementary phases. These early rounds are crucial as they often dictate the future direction and success of a franchise.
Among the notable prospects still on the board, Dakota Jordan, an outfielder from Mississippi State, was ranked No. 28 on the top-50 list. Despite his high prospect ranking, Jordan's strikeout rate stood at 31% in his SEC at-bats, a factor that could influence his draft placement. "There's star-level upside if Jordan's employer can help him maximize his traits," noted one insider, encapsulating both the potential and the risk associated with his profile.
Pitching Potential
On the mound, several promising young pitchers were among the top prospects. Joey Oakie, a right-handed pitcher from Ankeny Centennial in Iowa, was ranked No. 42. Oakie brings a distinctive flat release point to his fastball-slider combination, making him an intriguing candidate for teams seeking to add variety to their pitching staff.
Dax Whitney, another right-handed pitcher, hails from Blackfoot High School in Idaho and is ranked No. 45. Whitney has shown notable improvement in his velocity this year, a positive sign for scouts looking for growth trajectories in their pitcher prospects.
Outfield Outlook and Infield Insights
Turning attention back to the outfield, Northeastern's Mike Sirota, ranked No. 47, offers a different story. Sirota distinguished himself by walking more frequently than he struck out this season, a rare feat that speaks to his plate discipline. His performance in last summer’s Cape Cod League further bolstered his reputation, making him a player to watch as the draft progresses.
In the infield, Kevin Bazzell from Texas Tech emerged as a solid prospect after overcoming mononucleosis earlier this year. Bazzell batted an impressive .330/.431/.530 with 16 home runs over two seasons and projects as a catcher at the next level. "In addition to projecting as a catcher at the next level, Bazzell was an accomplished collegiate hitter," remarked one observer, highlighting his dual potential.
Other Notable Performances
Peyton Stovall from Arkansas showcased his capabilities at second base by hitting .315/.390/.532 in conference play, solidifying his status as a key player in this draft class. Carson DeMartini, a third baseman from Virginia Tech, smashed 21 home runs this season, though his nearly 28% strikeout rate remains a point of concern for scouts.
The pitching depth extends to Tennessee's Drew Beam, ranked No. 49, who is expected to be selected early on Day 2 of the draft. Josh Hartle, a left-handed pitcher from Wake Forest, struggled with a 5.79 ERA over 15 games this season. Similarly, Tristan Smith, a southpaw from Clemson, issued more than six walks per nine innings over his two seasons, presenting challenges that will need addressing at the professional level.
Upcoming Rounds
As the draft continues at 2 p.m. ET on Tuesday, teams will be looking to add depth and find hidden gems in the remaining rounds. With first overall pick Travis Bazzana setting a high bar, fans will be eagerly watching to see how the rest of the selections unfold and which prospects will become the future stars of Major League Baseball.