It’s a very good time to be a Cleveland Guardians fan.
Not only is the team in first place in the AL Central division with a comfortable cushion over the Minnesota Twins, but they also have the luxury of holding the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming MLB Draft to be held from Sunday to Tuesday.
It’s an incredibly rare combination: teams with losing records are usually the ones picking first in the draft.
But a combination of factors (mainly the Guardians’ mediocre season in 2023 and their luck in the lottery) gave them a unique chance to select a franchise-altering talent in the draft.
According to MLB senior writer Anthony Castrovince, it’s just the sixth time in history that a team ranked first in its division will pick first.
“The @CleGuardians will be just 6th team in @MLBDraft history to make #1 overall pick while in 1st place in their division. Others: ’89 O’s (Ben McDonald), ’95 Angels (Darin Erstad), ’01 Twins (Joe Mauer), ’04 Padres (Matt Bush), ’17 Twins (Royce Lewis),” he tweeted.
The @CleGuardians will be just 6th team in @MLBDraft history to make #1 overall pick while in 1st place in their division. Others: '89 O's (Ben McDonald), '95 Angels (Darin Erstad), '01 Twins (Joe Mauer), '04 Padres (Matt Bush), '17 Twins (Royce Lewis). h/t @HarriganMLB @_dadler
— Anthony Castrovince (@castrovince) July 10, 2024
There are some really solid players in that group, particularly Erstad, Mauer, and current Twins star Royce Lewis.
Cleveland will have a chance to add an impact hitter or pitcher with their premium selection.
Given the talent available and their excellent scouting department, it’s hard to see them missing on Draft Day.
Rumors have them linked to two excellent infield prospects: Charlie Condon and Travis Bazzana.
However, they could also opt to get a pitcher instead of the consensus top guys: the Pittsburgh Pirates famously went this route by taking Paul Skenes over Dylan Crews or Wyatt Langford last year, and it has worked out incredibly well for them.
What will the Guards do with their pick?
We will all find out in a matter of days.
NEXT: Guardians Outfielder Starts Rehab Assignment In Triple-A
