MLB Draft 2023: Cleveland Guardians Select Travis Bazzana No. 1 Overall

Sunday night marked a historic moment for Major League Baseball as the amateur draft kicked off with the Cleveland Guardians making their first-ever No. 1 overall pick. With the top selection, the Guardians chose Oregon State’s standout second baseman, Travis Bazzana, adding a significant talent to their roster.

This draft marks the first time the Guardians have held the premier pick in their history, a notable milestone for the franchise. Historically, the team has been in the No. 2 position on five occasions, with the most recent instance dating back to 1992. The energy surrounding the Guardians' top selection is palpable, especially given their long-anticipated moment in the draft spotlight.

Round One Highlights

The excitement continued as a total of 74 picks were made during the first night, spanning the first and second rounds, along with several compensatory and supplementary phases. This comprehensive selection process showcased the depth of talent entering the league.

One of the notable prospects was Dakota Jordan, an outfielder from Mississippi State, who is ranked No. 28 on the top-50 prospect list. Jordan’s impressive skills come with some challenges, particularly a strikeout rate of 31% in his SEC at-bats. Despite this, one insider emphasized the high potential Jordan holds, stating, "There's star-level upside if Jordan's employer can help him maximize his traits."

Pitching Prospects Emerge

The draft also saw the rise of several promising pitchers. Joey Oakie, a right-handed pitcher from Ankeny Centennial in Iowa, caught attention with his ranking at No. 42. Oakie’s fastball-slider combination, delivered from a distinctive flat release point, makes him a unique and compelling addition to any roster.

Dax Whitney, another right-handed pitcher from Blackfoot High School in Idaho, is ranked No. 45 and has shown notable improvement in his velocity this year. These young pitchers are set to bring fresh dynamics to the league as they continue to develop their skills.

Position Players with Promise

Among the position players, Mike Sirota, an outfielder from Northeastern, found his name on the top-50 list at No. 47. Sirota’s plate discipline is outstanding, having walked more frequently than he struck out this season. Additionally, his performance in the Cape Cod League last summer further solidified his standing as a top prospect.

Virginia Tech’s Carson DeMartini, a third baseman, offers power at the plate with 21 home runs this season. Despite striking out in nearly 28% of his at-bats, DeMartini’s potential to impact the game remains high.

Rounding Out the Top 50

Drew Beam from Tennessee, ranked No. 49, and Josh Hartle, a left-handed pitcher from Wake Forest, who posted a 5.79 ERA over 15 games this season, are part of the talent pool that teams are eagerly watching. Beam, in particular, is expected to "still come off the board somewhat early on Day 2," according to a source.

Further down the list, Tristan Smith, a southpaw from Clemson, has had control issues, issuing more than six walks per nine innings over two seasons. However, his raw talent gives him a foundations to build upon.

Notable Names and Performances

Among the hitters, Kevin Bazzell from Texas Tech stands out. Bazzell, who batted .330/.431/.530 with 16 home runs over two seasons and overcame mononucleosis earlier this year, projects as a catcher at the next level. An observer noted, "In addition to projecting as a catcher at the next level, Bazzell was an accomplished collegiate hitter."

Another noteworthy performance comes from Arkansas’s second baseman Peyton Stovall, who hit .315/.390/.532 in conference play, demonstrating solid consistency at the plate. As the draft progresses, teams will look to build around such consistent performers to bolster their rosters.

The draft continues at 2 p.m. ET on Tuesday, as teams make final adjustments and strategize their picks for the rounds ahead. This year’s draft has already introduced an impressive array of talent, setting a promising stage for the future of Major League Baseball.