MLB Draft Kicks Off with Historic Pick for Cleveland Guardians
Sunday night marked a significant moment in Major League Baseball's amateur draft history as the Cleveland Guardians made their first-ever No. 1 overall selection. The team chose Oregon State second baseman Travis Bazzana, setting the tone for an exciting draft night that saw a total of 74 picks, including selections from the first and second rounds along with several compensatory and supplementary phases.
The Guardians, who have historically picked second on five occasions—the most recent being in 1992—moved into uncharted territory with this top selection. Bazzana, renowned for his impressive performance at Oregon State, caught the eyes of the Guardians' scouts and analysts, making him a unanimous choice for the No. 1 pick.
As the draft unfolded, attention turned to other standout players, including outfielder Dakota Jordan from Mississippi State. Ranked No. 28 on the top-50 list, Jordan brings a unique blend of power and potential to the table. However, his 31% strikeout rate in SEC at-bats raises questions that teams will need to address to help him maximize his considerable talents. "There's star-level upside if Jordan's employer can help him maximize his traits," commented one insider familiar with his play style.
Pitching talent was also in high demand, with Joey Oakie from Ankeny Centennial (IA) and Dax Whitney from Blackfoot High School in Idaho among the highly regarded prospects. Oakie, ranked No. 42, boasts a fastball-slider combination delivered from a distinctive flat release point, making him a valuable asset for any pitching rotation. Whitney has shown notable improvement in his velocity this year, earning him the No. 45 spot and interest from teams looking to bolster their bullpen.
Mike Sirota, an outfielder from Northeastern, stands out not only for his ranking at No. 47 but also for his excellent plate discipline. Sirota walked more frequently than he struck out this season and performed well in the Cape Cod League last summer, making him an appealing pick for teams prioritizing on-base skills and consistent performance.
From Tennessee, Drew Beam, who is ranked No. 49, continues to attract attention as the draft progresses. A knowledgeable source shared, "Beam ought to still come off the board somewhat early on Day 2," highlighting the anticipation surrounding his selection.
Meanwhile, pitchers Josh Hartle from Wake Forest and Tristan Smith from Clemson presented contrasting profiles. Hartle, a left-hander with a 5.79 ERA over 15 games this season, will be looking to refine his game at the professional level. Smith, another southpaw, has struggled with control, issuing more than six walks per nine innings over two seasons. These challenges will be focal points for their future development in the league.
Kevin Bazzell from Texas Tech, who overcame mononucleosis earlier this year, is an intriguing prospect with a solid batting line of .330/.431/.530 and 16 home runs over two seasons. In addition to his collegiate success, Bazzell is projected as a catcher at the next level. "In addition to projecting as a catcher at the next level, Bazzell was an accomplished collegiate hitter," observed one insider, underscoring his dual-threat potential.
Among the infielders, Peyton Stovall, a second baseman from Arkansas, and Carson DeMartini, a third baseman from Virginia Tech, showcased their offensive prowess. Stovall hit .315/.390/.532 in conference play, while DeMartini recorded an impressive 21 home runs this season despite a 28% strikeout rate. Teams will be evaluating their ability to translate these skills to the major leagues as they build their rosters for the future.
As the draft resumes at 2 p.m. ET on Tuesday, the excitement and anticipation continue to build. The initial rounds have already set the stage for an intriguing and eventful selection process, with teams vying to secure the talents that will shape the future of Major League Baseball.