Sunday night marked an important milestone in Major League Baseball as the league commenced its annual amateur draft. The Cleveland Guardians made headlines by selecting Oregon State second baseman Travis Bazzana with the first overall pick, a historic first for the franchise.
The Guardians, who had never previously held the No. 1 pick in their history, have often found themselves near the top of the draft order. Historically, they've held the second overall pick five times, with the most recent of those instances occurring in 1992.
During the bustling Sunday night session, a total of 74 selections were made, covering the first and second rounds, along with several compensatory and supplementary phases. The draft action is set to continue at 2 p.m. ET on Tuesday, ensuring more excitement and anticipation throughout the baseball community.
Key Prospects to Watch
Among those drafted, Dakota Jordan, an outfielder from Mississippi State, stands out. Ranked No. 28 on the top-50 list, Jordan boasts impressive skills. However, his 31% strikeout rate in SEC at-bats raises some questions about his consistency at the plate. One insider remarked, "There's star-level upside if Jordan's employer can help him maximize his traits."
Another notable pick is Joey Oakie, a right-handed pitcher from Ankeny Centennial in Iowa, ranked No. 42. Oakie’s fastball-slider combination, delivered from a distinctive flat release point, has caught the eyes of many scouts.
Dax Whitney, a right-handed pitcher from Blackfoot High School in Idaho, is also generating buzz. Ranked No. 45, Whitney has shown significant improvement in his velocity this year, making him a promising prospect for the future.
At No. 47, Mike Sirota, an outfielder from Northeastern, has an impressive profile. He walked more frequently than he struck out this season, showcasing a disciplined approach at the plate. Sirota also performed well in the Cape Cod League last summer, further cementing his potential as a valuable addition to any team.
Ranked No. 49, Drew Beam from Tennessee is another prospect to keep an eye on. According to a source, "Beam ought to still come off the board somewhat early on Day 2," indicating strong interest from teams despite his ranking.
Highlighting Other Prospects
Josh Hartle, a left-handed pitcher from Wake Forest, posted a 5.79 ERA over 15 games this season, which may raise some concerns about his effectiveness on the mound. Meanwhile, Tristan Smith, a southpaw from Clemson, issued more than six walks per nine innings over two seasons with the Tigers, indicating potential control issues.
Kevin Bazzell from Texas Tech has impressed with a .330/.431/.530 batting line and 16 home runs over two seasons. Bazzell, who overcame mononucleosis earlier this year, is projected to transition to catcher at the next level. An observer noted, "In addition to projecting as a catcher at the next level, Bazzell was an accomplished collegiate hitter."
Another standout is Peyton Stovall, a second baseman from Arkansas, who hit .315/.390/.532 in conference play, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. Carson DeMartini, a third baseman from Virginia Tech, is known for his power, having hit 21 home runs this season. However, DeMartini struck out in nearly 28% of his at-bats, pointing to a need for greater plate discipline.
Looking Ahead
The excitement continues as the MLB amateur draft progresses. Teams will look to bolster their rosters with fresh talent, and the young prospects will be eager to make their mark in professional baseball. With several intriguing players already off the board and many more to be selected, this year's draft promises to shape the future of Major League Baseball for years to come.