Cleveland Guardians 2024 MLB Draft 1st Round Pick: 2B Travis Bazzana

Travis Bazzana- 2B

Age: 21.9
Ht: 6’0;
Wt: 199
Bats: Left;
Throws: Right
Rankings:

BA- 2
MLB- 1
WH- 2 overall

Analysis: 
The Guardians pop the first second baseman first overall, Cleveland's first number 1 selection ever. Speaking of firsts, he could be the first player from the 2024 draft class to reach MLB. Bazzana represents an impressive combination of work ethic, baseball IQ, and sheer determination to succeed. The native Australian is as polished as they come with the potential to move quickly. Bazzana worked this past off-season to optimize his swing to maximize his power productivity to the pull side. He displays an advanced approach with elite contact skills and zone awareness. Defensively, there's an opportunity for growth and the assets and desire to improve his game. Physically, Bazzana has a mature, strong athletic frame. The offield presence and preparation extenuate the on-field production making him a potential multi-time All-Star talent. His combined athleticism and aforementioned of field attributes could help him transition to the outfield if the club makes that move.

Pre-draft report: Probably has the best collection of skills/tools/overall and polish in the draft this year. He makes plenty of contact (85.4%), has upped his exit velos (108.9 90th percentile), and doesn’t chase (15.4%). Also comes 80 grade makeup here with work ethic and character. He went to try to improve his attack angle over the offseason to pull the ball more in the air and it paid off immediately for him. The question is really about the position, at least for Cleveland. You’re taking the bat either way, but to go 1-1, does Cleveland feel OK with him as a second baseman (a 2B has never gone 1-1 overall) or will they try him in the OF? He’s probably the first bat in the class to make the majors in many cases. -JL

Hit: 60
Power: 55/60 raw
Speed: 60
Arm: 45
Glove: 50