On Thursday, Cleveland Guardians top prospect Travis Bazzana got one hit in five trips to the plate. His wRC+ for the season is still a below-average 80.
He is, however, doing everything in his power to produce good results. He is showcasing elite patience at the plate, with an excellent 20.6 percent walk rate, and is striking out in just 14.7 percent of his plate appearances.
The hits aren’t falling at the moment, but don’t fret: they will come eventually. And while they come, the rookie is doing more than enough to help in other areas.
Take, for example, Thursday’s game. Yes, he logged just one hit, but he also walked, stole two bases, and scored a run. The speed, in particular, was nice to see.
“Travis Bazzana has four stolen bases since being called up just last week. He has been really aggressive on the base paths, something the Guardians have been missing (Outside of Hosey),” analyst Cade Cracas said.
Travis Bazzana has four stolen bases since being called up just last week. He has been really aggressive on the base paths, something the #Guardians have been missing (Outside of Hosey). #GuardsBall
— Cade Cracas (@CracasCade) May 7, 2026
He didn’t just steal second base on Thursday: he also took third base in the same inning, showing that he has enough speed to take over a game if necessary.
But that wasn’t all: Bazzana, criticized for his defense on more than one occasion, completed a fantastic play to help his team beat the Royals in the series finale. He showcased another underrated tool of his: a potent and accurate arm.
An INCREDIBLE fielding play from Bazzana.
Great heads up to see the runner bolting to third and throw him out. #GuardsBall pic.twitter.com/bzRlQk9bQ6
— Cade Cracas (@CracasCade) May 7, 2026
He couldn’t quite field the ball at first, but once he realized there was no play at first base, he didn’t take his eye off the lead runner and got him out with a bullet to third base. It was quite an impressive play.
Before jumping onto the field on Thursday, Bazzana had -2 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS), but +1 Outs Above Average (OAA). He already has one fielding error in seven games at the keystone, but has shown the tools are there for him to be an above-average defender.
To sum up, Bazzana’s offensive numbers aren’t quite there yet, but he is making sure to help his team win with brilliant plays in other aspects of the game. That’s what the truly great players do, and he has the potential to become one.
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