The Cleveland Guardians made a historic decision in the 2024 MLB Draft when they selected Travis Bazzana with the first overall pick. While the organization remains confident in the talented infielder, not everyone agrees with the choice. One analyst recently suggested several teams may already regret passing on another rising prospect.
That player is Konnor Griffin.
Griffin was selected ninth overall in the 2024 draft after the first eight teams, including Cleveland, passed on him.
According to analyst Jason Severance, several of those organizations might now wish they had gone a different direction.
“The Guardians, Reds, Rockies, Athletics, White Sox, Royals, Cardinals and Angels are likely kicking themselves for not taking Konnor Griffin in the 2024 MLB Draft,” Severance wrote. “Cleveland selected Oregon State infielder Travis Bazzana at No. 1 overall. Bazzana is a strong prospect and ranked No. 20 overall by MLB.com but the 19 year old Griffin is easily No. 1.”
Griffin has generated excitement early in his professional career thanks to his athleticism and power potential. The Mississippi native was one of the most dynamic high school prospects in the class and has already shown flashes of why many scouts believed he had superstar upside.
Konnor Griffin … WOW 🤯
MLB's No. 1 prospect goes yard AGAIN! pic.twitter.com/F1VTJnWlWB
— MLB (@MLB) February 24, 2026
However, that does not mean the Guardians regret their decision.
Bazzana entered the draft as one of the most polished hitters available and quickly became the consensus top college bat in the class. At Oregon State, he built a reputation for elite plate discipline, consistent contact, and the ability to drive the baseball to all fields. Those traits fit perfectly with Cleveland’s organizational philosophy.
The Guardians also value players with advanced approaches at the plate, and Bazzana checked every box in that category. His ability to control the strike zone and consistently get on base made him a safe and appealing option at the top of the draft.
It is also important to remember that development takes time. Griffin’s early flashes are exciting, but both players are still at the beginning of their professional journeys. Evaluating a draft class just a couple of years later rarely tells the full story.
Cleveland remains extremely high on Bazzana, who is expected to continue developing in the minor leagues this season. If he reaches his projected ceiling, he could become a cornerstone player in the Guardians’ lineup for years to come.
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