Guardians Make Historic First Pick as MLB Draft Begins
Sunday night marked the commencement of Major League Baseball's amateur draft, a much-anticipated event that saw the Cleveland Guardians making a splash with their historic first overall pick. For the first time in their history, the Guardians had the privilege of selecting first, and they chose Oregon State second baseman Travis Bazzana.
A Night of Many Firsts
Historically, the Guardians have never held the No. 1 pick, making their selection of Bazzana a significant moment for the franchise. Prior to this year, the Guardians' highest draft pick position was second, a spot they have occupied five times, most recently in 1992.
Over the course of Sunday night, a total of 74 picks were made, spanning the first and second rounds, along with several compensatory and supplementary phases. This initial flurry of activity set the stage for the continuation of the draft, scheduled to resume at 2 p.m. ET on Tuesday.
Top Prospects and Rankings
Among the notable players in this year's draft is Dakota Jordan, an outfielder from Mississippi State. Ranked No. 28 on the top-50 list, Jordan stands out for his potential, despite a strikeout rate of 31% in his SEC at-bats. As one insider aptly put it, "There's star-level upside if Jordan's employer can help him maximize his traits."
Joey Oakie, a right-handed pitcher from Ankeny Centennial (IA), also garnered attention with his ranking at No. 42. Oakie is known for his fastball-slider combination, which he delivers from a distinctive flat release point, making him a compelling prospect for many teams.
Another pitcher to watch is Dax Whitney from Blackfoot High School in Idaho. Ranked No. 45, Whitney has shown notable improvement in his velocity this year, elevating his status among scouts and analysts.
Solid Performers and Intriguing Talents
Outfielder Mike Sirota from Northeastern is ranked No. 47 and brings a disciplined approach to the plate, having walked more frequently than he struck out this season. His performance in the Cape Cod League last summer further solidified his reputation as a player to watch.
Other intriguing prospects include Drew Beam from Tennessee, ranked No. 49, and left-handed pitcher Josh Hartle from Wake Forest, who posted a 5.79 ERA over 15 games this season. While some have concerns about Hartle's performance, his background and experience make him a valuable pick for the right team.
Clemson southpaw Tristan Smith is another pitcher whose stats tell a complex story. Smith issued more than six walks per nine innings over two seasons with the Tigers, raising questions about his command but also showing flashes of potential that could be harnessed at the next level.
Batting Stars and Versatile Players
Kevin Bazzell from Texas Tech is a standout with a batting line of .330/.431/.530 and 16 home runs over two seasons. Overcoming mononucleosis earlier this year, Bazzell has demonstrated resilience and versatility, projecting as a catcher in the professional ranks. As one observer noted, "In addition to projecting as a catcher at the next level, Bazzell was an accomplished collegiate hitter."
Arkansas' Peyton Stovall is another notable mention, hitting .315/.390/.532 in conference play. Virginia Tech's Carson DeMartini, who hit 21 home runs this season, also stands out, despite his strikeout rate of nearly 28% of his trips to the plate this year. These players exemplify the depth of talent and the varying skill sets that make the MLB draft such an exciting and unpredictable event.
Looking Forward
As the draft continues, many eyes will be on Drew Beam, with one source predicting that "Beam ought to still come off the board somewhat early on Day 2." This optimism underscores the potential for surprises and impactful selections in the later rounds.
The MLB amateur draft is more than just a selection process; it's a celebration of emerging talent and the future stars of the game. With the Cleveland Guardians making historic moves and a host of promising players waiting for their moment, baseball fans have much to look forward to as the draft unfolds.