Sunday night heralded the start of Major League Baseball's amateur draft, and it began with a noteworthy milestone for the Cleveland Guardians. With the first overall pick, the Guardians selected Travis Bazzana, a second baseman from Oregon State. This moment was historic for the franchise, which had never previously held the No. 1 pick in their history. Their highest pick in the past had been the second overall, a position they have held five times, most recently in 1992.
The opening night saw a whirlwind of activity, with a total of 74 picks made. The selections covered the first and second rounds, along with several compensatory and supplementary phases. The draft excitement will continue on Tuesday at 2 p.m. ET, when teams will look to add further talent to their rosters.
Notable Prospects
One of the standout names among the prospects is Dakota Jordan, an outfielder from Mississippi State. Ranked No. 28 on the top-50 list, Jordan has shown both promise and areas for improvement. He boasts impressive traits, and according to one insider, "There's star-level upside if Jordan's employer can help him maximize his traits." However, his strikeout rate stands at 31% in his SEC at-bats, a statistic that teams will aim to address.
Another intriguing prospect is Joey Oakie, a right-handed pitcher from Ankeny Centennial in Iowa. Ranked No. 42, Oakie is known for his fastball-slider combination, delivered from a distinctive flat release point. His unique pitching style makes him a valuable asset for teams looking to bolster their bullpen.
Dax Whitney, a right-handed pitcher from Blackfoot High School in Idaho, is ranked No. 45. Whitney has shown marked improvement in his velocity this year, a factor that has undoubtedly contributed to his rising stock.
Budding Talent with Unique Skills
Mike Sirota, an outfielder from Northeastern, has caught the eyes of many scouts with his disciplined approach at the plate. Ranked No. 47, Sirota walked more frequently than he struck out this season, highlighting his patience and eye for the strike zone. His performance in the Cape Cod League last summer further solidified his reputation as a promising talent.
Drew Beam, hailing from Tennessee and ranked No. 49, is another name that has surfaced as a potential early pick on Day 2. As one source put it, "Beam ought to still come off the board somewhat early on Day 2."
Evaluating Performances and Potential
Josh Hartle, a left-handed pitcher from Wake Forest, endured a challenging season with a 5.79 ERA over 15 games. Despite his struggles, teams may still see potential in his arm, hoping to refine his game at the professional level. Similarly, Tristan Smith, a southpaw from Clemson, faced control issues, giving up over six walks per nine innings over two seasons. These statistics may raise red flags, but his raw talent cannot be overlooked.
Catchers and Infielders Making Their Mark
Kevin Bazzell from Texas Tech is a versatile player who has shown prowess both at the plate and behind it. Batting .330/.431/.530 with 16 home runs over two seasons, Bazzell has proven his ability to deliver offensively. Notably, he overcame mononucleosis earlier this year, showcasing his resilience. Bazzell, who projects as a catcher at the next level, is recognized as an accomplished collegiate hitter, with one observer noting, "In addition to projecting as a catcher at the next level, Bazzell was an accomplished collegiate hitter."
Peyton Stovall, a second baseman from Arkansas, also made waves with his noteworthy performance, hitting .315/.390/.532 in conference play. Stovall's consistency at the plate makes him a coveted pick for teams in need of infield reinforcements.
Carson DeMartini, a third baseman from Virginia Tech, has shown exceptional power, hitting 21 home runs this season. However, with a strikeout rate nearing 28%, teams will need to weigh his power against his propensity to swing and miss.
As the draft continues, scouts and team executives will closely monitor these prospects, weighing their potential and growth areas. The blend of raw talent, refined skills, and room for improvement ensures that the excitement of the MLB amateur draft is far from over.