On Sunday, the Cleveland Guardians selected second baseman Travis Bazzana with the first pick in the 2024 MLB Draft.
It’s the first time in franchise history that they get to pick first in the draft, and they sure made it count with the highest-ranked player on most boards.
Guardians head of baseball Chris Antonetti took some time to discuss the decision to select Bazzana and some of the traits that made the team go with him ahead of other brilliant prospects like Chase Burns or Charlie Condon.
Hear from Chris Antonetti as he discusses the Guardians 1.1 pick!#ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/wXSieLPZPq
— GuardsInsider (@GuardsInsider) July 15, 2024
Antonetti praised Bazzana’s baseball ability and called him a “dynamic offensive player” with much to give to the Guardians organization.
The executive pointed out that Bazzana has the ability to impact the game in so many ways.
He is athletic and a good baserunner.
Antonetti also called Bazzana a ‘developing’ defender but placed special emphasis on saying good things about the person behind the player.
“He has tapped into every possible resource to make himself the best player he can possibly be”, the Guards’ president of baseball operations said.
Bazzana is a second baseman by trade, but can also play some left and center field in a pinch.
The 21-year-old Australian had a phenomenal season for Oregon State, hitting .407/.568/.911 with 28 home runs and 16 stolen bases in 60 games in the Pac-12 Conference.
He showed the extent of his power, speed, and athleticism, making himself the consensus best prospect among analysts and fans.
The Guardians now have another building block, one that could mean Andres Gimenez moves out of second base and to shortstop next year.
NEXT: Guardians Will Kick Off Draft After Securing Important Achievement
