The Cleveland Guardians took Oregon State second baseman Travis Bazzana with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft this past Sunday.
They chose him over other talented baseball players such as Chase Burns, Charlie Condon, JJ Wetherholt, and Hagen Smith, just to name a few.
Bazzana, according to Cleveland sports reporter Tom Withers, has an agreement with the Guardians on his signing bonus and will be introduced to the media and the world on Friday.
“Guardians have agreement with No. 1 overall pick Travis Bazzana. He’s being introduced at 5 p.m. news conference,” he tweeted.
Guardians have agreement with No. 1 overall pick Travis Bazzana. He’s being introduced at 5 p.m. news conference.
— Tom Withers (@twithersAP) July 19, 2024
Bazzana was the consensus No. 1 pick in many draft boards.
Condon, in particular, had been soaring up most boards and rankings, but the Guardians took Bazzana and did a marvelous job hiding their intentions throughout the last few days.
Ultimately, they went with a player with tremendous floor and untapped potential, one that hit 28 home runs in 60 games this past season in the Pac-12 Conference.
The Australian has power, contact, intangibles, and a developing glove, and he will be a fixture in Cleveland’s lineup for years to come.
According to MLB.com, the agreement is below slot value, established at $10,570,600.
Bazzana got a $8,950,000 signing bonus.
Pitcher Chase Burns, drafted second overall by the Cincinnati Reds, got more than him at $9,250,000.
Both the Guardians and Bazzana have praised each other and revealed how excited they are about their upcoming marriage.
The player is eager to contribute to the MLB squad this year, but that will be dictated by his minor league performance.
One thing is certain, though: the Guardians have a diamond in Bazzana.
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