Cleveland Guardians Make History with No. 1 Pick
On Sunday night, Major League Baseball's amateur draft kicked off, and it was a historic moment for the Cleveland Guardians. The Guardians, who had never previously secured the top pick in their history, selected Oregon State second baseman Travis Bazzana with the first overall pick. This marked a significant milestone for the franchise, which had historically held the second pick five times, most recently in 1992.
The meeting featured a total of 74 picks made on opening night, covering the first and second rounds as well as several compensatory and supplementary phases. The draft is set to resume at 2 p.m. ET on Tuesday, allowing teams to continue building their rosters for the future.
Top Prospects and Notable Selections
Dakota Jordan, an outfielder from Mississippi State, was among the notable prospects in this year's draft. Ranked No. 28 on the top-50 list, Jordan's potential has captivated many insiders. Despite his talent, his 31% strikeout rate in SEC at-bats is a concern. Nevertheless, one insider remarked, "There's star-level upside if Jordan's employer can help him maximize his traits."
Joey Oakie, a right-handed pitcher from Ankeny Centennial in Iowa, also caught the attention of scouts. Ranked No. 42, Oakie boasts a fastball-slider combination delivered from a distinctive flat release point, making him an intriguing prospect for any team looking to add depth to their pitching staff.
Dax Whitney, another right-handed pitcher, hailing from Blackfoot High School in Idaho, is ranked No. 45. Whitney has shown improvement in his velocity this year, which has undoubtedly boosted his stock heading into the draft. Teams will be closely watching his development as they make their picks.
Mike Sirota, an outfielder from Northeastern, holds the No. 47 spot on the top-50 list. Sirota distinguished himself this season by walking more frequently than he struck out, a feat that underscores his disciplined approach at the plate. He also performed well in the Cape Cod League last summer, further enhancing his reputation as a reliable hitter.
Late-Round Gems
The draft's depth is further illustrated by players like Drew Beam from Tennessee, ranked No. 49. While some sources speculate that he might come off the board somewhat early on Day 2, Beam remains a player to watch as the draft progresses.
Josh Hartle, a left-handed pitcher from Wake Forest, and Tristan Smith, a southpaw from Clemson, are other notable names. Hartle had a 5.79 ERA over 15 games this season, indicating that teams will have to weigh his potential carefully. Smith, on the other hand, issued more than six walks per nine innings over two seasons with the Tigers, a statistic that might raise red flags for some teams.
Kevin Bazzell from Texas Tech is another intriguing prospect. Bazzell batted .330/.431/.530 with 16 home runs over two seasons and overcame mononucleosis earlier this year. Projecting as a catcher at the next level, Bazzell has been lauded for his accomplishments as a collegiate hitter. One observer noted, "In addition to projecting as a catcher at the next level, Bazzell was an accomplished collegiate hitter."
Additional Standouts
Peyton Stovall, a second baseman from Arkansas, demonstrated his prowess by hitting .315/.390/.532 in conference play, making him a strong candidate for teams needing infield strength.
Carson DeMartini, a third baseman from Virginia Tech, hit an impressive 21 home runs this season, though his nearly 28% strikeout rate may present some concerns for potential suitors.
As the draft continues, all eyes will be on these promising players as they begin their professional careers. With a rich pool of talent and the anticipation of future stars emerging, the MLB amateur draft remains one of the most exciting and unpredictable events in baseball.