The Cleveland Guardians are first in the AL Central with a 60-40 record.
They also picked first in the 2024 MLB Draft because of their 76-86 record last year and after winning the first lottery.
Their selection, Oregon State second baseman Travis Bazzana, has given the team a true blue-chip prospect to build around for the foreseeable future and a perfect blend of contact, on-base ability, and power to supply their infield.
Some people are talking about how Bazzana has a chance to make his MLB debut at some point this year, but he needs to learn how to walk before running.
That means he will have to get his first wet in professional ball first, master some levels, and then prove he is, indeed, ready for The Show.
That might or might not happen this year, but the Guards will prioritize his development over anything else.
It had been announced, days ago, that he would start in High-A this week.
Now, we have a date and a time.
“Cleveland #Guardians #1 overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft Travis Bazzana will make his pro-debut on Friday for (High-A) Lake County at Great Lakes,” Guardians Prospective tweeted.
Cleveland #Guardians #1 overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft Travis Bazzana will make his pro-debut on Friday for (High-A) Lake County at Great Lakes.#ForTheLand
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) July 24, 2024
It’s settled: Bazzana will start representing the Guardians in the minor leagues on Friday at 7:05 pm ET, against the Los Angeles Dodgers’ High-A affiliate.
Expectations, of course, will be sky-high after he posted a 1.479 OPS, a .407 batting average, 28 home runs and 16 stolen bases in Oregon State in 2024; in just 60 games.
If he is truly as good as advertised, he should be able to at least force his way up to Double-A before the end of the season.
He is the Guardians’ second baseman of the future, and all eyes will be on him on Friday.
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