Guardians Make History with First Overall Pick
Sunday night marked a significant event in Major League Baseball, as the Cleveland Guardians held the number one pick in the amateur draft for the first time in their history. Breaking new ground, the Guardians selected Oregon State second baseman Travis Bazzana with the coveted first overall pick, a choice that could reshape the future of the franchise.
Bazzana, celebrated for his strong performance with the Beavers, now carries the weight of being a top pick for a team that had never secured this position before. Historically, the Guardians have picked second on five occasions, the most recent being in 1992. Their leap to the top spot this year reflects a pivotal moment for the team and its fan base.
Overall, 74 picks were made on Sunday night across the first and second rounds, including several compensatory and supplementary phases. These initial selections set the stage for the continuation of the draft, which resumes at 2 p.m. ET on Tuesday.
Spotlight on Top Prospects
The draft saw several notable names climbing the ranks. Dakota Jordan, an outfielder from Mississippi State, captured considerable attention. Ranked No. 28 on the top-50 list, Jordan is known for his raw potential despite a 31% strikeout rate in his SEC at-bats. As one insider noted, "There's star-level upside if Jordan's employer can help him maximize his traits."
Another significant pick was Joey Oakie, a right-handed pitcher from Ankeny Centennial in Iowa, ranked No. 42. Oakie’s arsenal features a fastball-slider combination delivered from a unique flat release point, making him a distinctive prospect among his peers.
Dax Whitney, a right-handed pitcher from Blackfoot High School in Idaho, is ranked No. 45. Whitney has shown notable improvement in his velocity this year, indicating his upward trajectory as a pitcher.
Northeastern outfielder Mike Sirota, ranked No. 47, also stood out. Sirota not only walked more frequently than he struck out this season, but he also performed impressively in the Cape Cod League last summer—an indicator of his mature plate discipline and potential at higher levels of play.
Late First-Day Highlights
As the night progressed, further intriguing picks emerged. Drew Beam from Tennessee, ranked No. 49, remains a solid prospect with expectations to be chosen early on Day 2. "Beam ought to still come off the board somewhat early on Day 2," said a source, underscoring the ongoing interest in his capabilities.
Josh Hartle, a left-handed pitcher from Wake Forest, and Tristan Smith, a southpaw from Clemson, offer contrasting narratives. Hartle ended the season with a 5.79 ERA over 15 games, while Smith demonstrated control issues, issuing over six walks per nine innings over two seasons with the Tigers.
Kevin Bazzell from Texas Tech showcased his resilience by batting .330/.431/.530 with 16 home runs over two seasons, despite overcoming mononucleosis earlier this year. Bazzell, who projects as a catcher at the next level, is also acknowledged as an accomplished collegiate hitter. As one observer put it, "In addition to projecting as a catcher at the next level, Bazzell was an accomplished collegiate hitter."
Peyton Stovall, a second baseman from Arkansas, maintained a .315/.390/.532 batting line in conference play, highlighting his consistent offensive contribution. Meanwhile, Carson DeMartini, a third baseman from Virginia Tech, hit 21 home runs this season despite a high strikeout rate of nearly 28% of his at-bats.
As the MLB draft continues, these selections and many others will be scrutinized in the coming months and years. Each of these young athletes carries with them not only their stats and rankings but also the hopes and dreams of the franchises that chose them. The Cleveland Guardians, with their landmark first overall pick, epitomize the optimism and strategic foresight that define these pivotal moments in baseball. The excitement is far from over as anticipations build for the next rounds of selections.