Sunday night marked a monumental moment for Major League Baseball, as the annual amateur draft officially commenced. With the Cleveland Guardians holding the No. 1 overall pick for the first time in their history, this year's draft brought a wave of excitement and anticipation.
The Historic First Pick
The Cleveland Guardians broke new ground by selecting Oregon State's Travis Bazzana as the first overall pick. This marks the first time the Guardians have held the top spot in their draft history, a significant milestone for the franchise. Historically, the team has had the second overall pick on five occasions, with the most recent instance occurring in 1992.
An Action-Packed Opening Night
Opening night saw a flurry of activity, with a total of 74 picks made. These selections covered the first and second rounds, as well as several compensatory and supplementary phases. The draft continues on Tuesday at 2 p.m. ET, promising further excitement as teams seek to bolster their rosters with top amateur talent.
Top Prospects to Watch
Among the standout prospects, Dakota Jordan from Mississippi State is a player to keep an eye on. Ranked No. 28 on the top-50 list, Jordan has shown potential despite a strikeout rate of 31% in his SEC at-bats. One insider noted, "There's star-level upside if Jordan's employer can help him maximize his traits."
Another notable pick is Joey Oakie, a right-handed pitcher from Ankeny Centennial (IA), ranked No. 42. Oakie features a formidable fastball-slider combination delivered from a unique flat release point.
Dax Whitney, a right-handed pitcher from Blackfoot High School in Idaho, is another prospect garnering attention. Whitney, ranked No. 45, has demonstrated improvement in his velocity this year, making him a valuable addition to any pitching staff.
College Talent Making Waves
Mike Sirota, an outfielder from Northeastern, comes in at No. 47 on the top-50 list. Sirota distinguished himself this season by walking more frequently than striking out, and he also performed well in the Cape Cod League last summer.
Drew Beam, hailing from Tennessee, is ranked No. 49 and has been tipped to come off the board relatively early on Day 2. "Beam ought to still come off the board somewhat early on Day 2," according to a source.
Josh Hartle, a left-handed pitcher from Wake Forest, had a challenging season with a 5.79 ERA over 15 games. Tristan Smith, a southpaw from Clemson, issued more than six walks per nine innings over two seasons with the Tigers, indicating areas for improvement.
Promising Hitters
From Texas Tech, Kevin Bazzell rounds out the list of noteworthy prospects. Bazzell, who batted .330/.431/.530 with 16 home runs over two seasons, is an intriguing player. He overcame mononucleosis earlier this year and projects as a catcher at the next level. One observer remarked, "In addition to projecting as a catcher at the next level, Bazzell was an accomplished collegiate hitter."
Other notable hitters include Peyton Stovall, a second baseman from Arkansas who hit .315/.390/.532 in conference play, and Carson DeMartini, a third baseman from Virginia Tech. DeMartini showcased impressive power with 21 home runs this season but also struck out in nearly 28% of his plate appearances.
As the draft continues, all eyes will be on these young talents as they take their first steps towards potentially illustrious careers in Major League Baseball. Each selection carries the hope and potential of making a significant impact on the future of the sport. Given the high level of talent on display, the next rounds promise to be just as intriguing as the first.