Sunday night marked the commencement of Major League Baseball's amateur draft, a significant event that saw the Cleveland Guardians making history by selecting Oregon State second baseman Travis Bazzana with the first overall pick. This momentous occasion is notable as it is the first time in franchise history that the Guardians have held the top pick.
Historically, the Guardians have picked second on five occasions, with the last time occurring in 1992. But this year, Cleveland's front office made their mark by choosing Bazzana, a player they hope will significantly impact the team’s future.
A Diverse Draft Night
Sunday night saw a total of 74 picks spanning the first and second rounds, along with various compensatory and supplementary phases. The selections showcased a blend of established collegiate players and promising high school talent, setting the stage for the draft to continue at 2 p.m. ET on Tuesday.
Jordan's Potential and Challenges
One of the standout names is Dakota Jordan, an outfielder from Mississippi State, who is ranked No. 28 on the top-50 list. His impressive athleticism and potential have drawn attention, but there are concerns too. "There's star-level upside if Jordan's employer can help him maximize his traits," remarked an insider. Jordan also faces challenges, notably his strikeout rate of 31% in SEC at-bats, which could be a hurdle as he transitions to professional baseball.
Pitching Prospects in Focus
Several promising pitchers were also highlighted. Joey Oakie, a right-handed pitcher from Ankeny Centennial (IA), is ranked No. 42 and features a distinctive fastball-slider combination delivered from a flat release point. Furthermore, Dax Whitney from Blackfoot High School in Idaho, ranked No. 45, has shown improvement in his velocity this year, raising expectations for his future contributions on the mound.
Josh Hartle, a left-handed pitcher from Wake Forest, and Tristan Smith, a southpaw from Clemson, have their stats serving as conversation points. Hartle finished the season with a 5.79 ERA over 15 games, while Smith issued over six walks per nine innings over two seasons with the Tigers. These stats provide insight into areas where both players might focus on improving as they advance in their careers.
Offensive Prospects
Several batting prospects have also turned heads. Texas Tech's Kevin Bazzell, despite overcoming mononucleosis earlier this year, managed to bat .330/.431/.530 with 16 home runs over two seasons and projects as a catcher at the next level. Bazzell’s resilience and skill as a hitter have been noticed: "In addition to projecting as a catcher at the next level, Bazzell was an accomplished collegiate hitter,” noted one observer.
Peyton Stovall from Arkansas and Carson DeMartini from Virginia Tech also bring impressive resumes. Stovall hit .315/.390/.532 in conference play, while DeMartini smashed 21 home runs this season, albeit with a nearly 28% strikeout rate. Both players have demonstrated they can deliver significant offensive contributions, but like many prospects, the challenge will be maintaining and improving upon these performances at the professional level.
Mike Sirota from Northeastern also attracted attention, ranked No. 47 on the top-50 list. Sirota distinguished himself by walking more frequently than he struck out this season and performed notably well in the Cape Cod League last summer, adding to his burgeoning reputation.
The Next Steps
As the draft progresses, there’s considerable anticipation about which names will come off the board next. Drew Beam from Tennessee, ranked No. 49, is among the prospects some sources expect to be picked early on Day 2. "Beam ought to still come off the board somewhat early on Day 2," said a source, highlighting the broad interest and tight competition among teams.
With the draft resuming, teams have the opportunity to bolster their rosters with young talent, shaping the future of Major League Baseball. The selections made on Sunday night have already set an intriguing stage for what promises to be an exciting continuation of the draft.