When the Cleveland Guardians took second baseman Travis Bazzana with the No. 1 pick in the MLB Draft, they knew the kid had considerable power.
Maybe he doesn’t boast the raw power that Charlie Condon, for example, has; but the combination of the hit tool, the willingness to walk, the power and the intangibles forced Cleveland to go with Bazzana and so far, they don’t have any regrets.
The former Oregon State star had a day to remember on Wednesday.
In the continuation of Tuesday’s postponed game against the Beloit Sky Carp, Bazzana hit a long line drive to right-center field that left the yard.
It was his first home run as a professional, and it happened to find three teammates on the basepaths: a grand slam.
“Travis Bazzana’s first professional home run is a grand slam!,” MLB tweeted on Wednesday afternoon, with a video of the moment.
Travis Bazzana's first professional home run is a grand slam! pic.twitter.com/4XQWqwlKIP
— MLB (@MLB) July 31, 2024
Bazzana accumulated three runs scored and four RBI in the two-hit night, taking his batting average to .364 and his OPS to 1.189.
It’s still too early and his professional career is just starting, but if he keeps playing like this, it will be a matter of time before the Australian is in Double-A.
Given his college experience and talent, the Guardians are probably hoping he ends the season in the high minors.
In Oregon State, Bazzana hit .407 with 28 home runs and a 1.479 OPS in 60 games.
He is currently an outstanding athlete and a rock-solid baseball player.
The ceiling, however, is much higher: he could be a perennial All-Star and Guardians fans can’t wait to see him in the middle of their infield.
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