The Cleveland Guardians are one of the most promising teams in the American League.
Through the years, they have been able to draft, develop and acquire top talent when it comes to young position players.
Last season, they were fortunate enough to have the No. 1 pick in the MLB Draft.
With it, they took Travis Bazzana and didn’t look back.
Bazzana made an already solid system much stronger, giving Cleveland its second baseman of the future.
After a successful stint in High-A to open his pro career, the Guardians decided he would start 2025 in Double-A with the Akron RubberDucks.
He appears in the leadoff spot in Friday’s lineup, the first game of the Double-A season.
First lineup of the year is here! pic.twitter.com/FxD7ppKnU6
— Akron RubberDucks (@AkronRubberDuck) April 4, 2025
Other impressive Guardians prospects, such as Cooper Ingle and C.J. Kayfus, are near the top of the lineup.
Bazzana, however, is the man to watch.
As Cleveland struggles to decide on a second baseman for the 2025 season, Bazzana could potentially force his way up to the majors at some point.
It’s unlikely, but certainly not impossible, because if he hits like he did at Oregon State, it will be hard to keep him in the minors.
He is not there yet, though.
Yes, he posted an above-average 126 wRC+ last year in High-A, but that came with a .238 batting average and a 25.4 percent strikeout rate.
He still has some development to do, and facing high-minors pitchers will be the best way to determine if he is ready for MLB, or if his game needs more refinement.
NEXT: Guardians Manager Praises Powerful Trade Acquisition
