Sunday night marked the onset of Major League Baseball's amateur draft, a highly anticipated event that saw the Cleveland Guardians make a historic first move. For the first time in their history, the Guardians held the No. 1 overall pick, and they opted for Oregon State second baseman Travis Bazzana. Notably, prior to this year, the Guardians had never been in the top spot, though they have been the second pick five times, most recently in 1992.
The opening night of the draft was eventful, with a total of 74 picks made. These selections covered the first and second rounds along with several compensatory and supplementary phases. The draft's momentum will continue as teams prepare to make their picks again on Tuesday at 2 p.m. ET.
Top Prospects
Among the ranked players, Dakota Jordan from Mississippi State stands out. As an outfielder ranked No. 28 on the top-50 list, Jordan's talent is palpable despite a 31% strikeout rate in his SEC at-bats. One insider remarked, "There's star-level upside if Jordan's employer can help him maximize his traits."
Another promising player is Joey Oakie, a right-handed pitcher from Ankeny Centennial in Iowa. Ranked No. 42, Oakie is noted for his fastball-slider combination, delivered from a unique flat release point, showcasing a distinct advantage on the mound.
Blackfoot High School in Idaho is home to Dax Whitney, a right-handed pitcher ranked No. 45. Whitney has shown notable improvement in his velocity this year, promising a bright future in professional baseball.
Rising Stars
Outfielder Mike Sirota from Northeastern is ranked No. 47 on the top-50 list and has impressed many with his plate discipline. This season, Sirota walked more often than he struck out, a rare feat that underscores his keen batting eye. Additionally, he performed admirably in the Cape Cod League last summer, further raising his profile.
Drew Beam from Tennessee, ranked No. 49, remains a noteworthy mention. Despite being on the latter end of the top-50 list, a source indicated, "Beam ought to still come off the board somewhat early on Day 2."
Lefties and Position Players
Josh Hartle, a left-handed pitcher from Wake Forest, had a challenging season with a 5.79 ERA over 15 games, yet his potential continues to intrigue scouts.
Tristan Smith, a southpaw from Clemson, has struggled with control, issuing more than six walks per nine innings over two seasons. Despite this, the raw talent he possesses makes him a prospect to keep an eye on.
Versatile Talents
Kevin Bazzell from Texas Tech, who batted .330/.431/.530 with 16 home runs over two seasons, offers a solid offensive profile. Bazzell overcame mononucleosis earlier this year and projects as a catcher at the next level. An observer commented, "In addition to projecting as a catcher at the next level, Bazzell was an accomplished collegiate hitter."
Peyton Stovall, a second baseman from Arkansas, showcased his skill by hitting .315/.390/.532 in conference play, solidifying his reputation as a reliable hitter.
Carson DeMartini, a third baseman from Virginia Tech, had a powerful season with 21 home runs. However, his strikeout rate of nearly 28% indicates a need for refinement at the plate.
As the draft continues, the excitement surrounding these young talents brings a sense of hope and anticipation for their future contributions to Major League Baseball. Each player has a unique story and set of skills that will undoubtedly shape their journeys in the league.