The Cleveland Guardians made history on Sunday as they embarked on the highly anticipated Major League Baseball amateur draft. In a monumental turn, the Guardians selected Travis Bazzana with their first-ever No. 1 pick, a move that kickstarted an eventful draft period concluding this past Tuesday. The selection of Bazzana, a potential star in the making, has set the stakes high for the Guardians’ future prospects.
The draft didn’t stop garnering attention there. Young talent Ethan Holliday also made headlines. With a renowned lineage, Ethan is the son of former All-Star outfielder Matt Holliday and the brother of budding star Jackson Holliday. Adding another layer to his family connections, Ethan is committed to playing for Oklahoma State, where his uncle Josh Holliday is the head coach. This swath of familial ties in the sport hints at a promising career trajectory for Ethan.
Brothers in Baseball
While Ethan’s path is already generating buzz, he is not alone in this narrative of family and baseball excellence. Melvin and Justin Upton have cemented their places in history as the closest brothers ever selected with a No. 1 pick, setting a standard for sibling success in the sport. The Upton brothers’ milestones continue to inspire upcoming talents, including the likes of Ethan Holliday.
Rising Collegiate Stars
Across the collegiate baseball landscape, outfielder Jace LaViolette from Texas A&M has also attracted attention. Known for his impressive fly-ball rate, which has consistently been over 50% throughout his career, LaViolette's offensive prowess underscores his potential for making a monumental impact at the professional level.
Another standout, Braden Montgomery, was selected 12th by the Boston Red Sox, adding yet another high-caliber player to their storied franchise. At Clemson, center fielder Cam Cannarella has been making waves with his performances, further solidifying the depth of talent in this year’s draft class.
Indiana's Draft Drought Ends
Breaking a significant drought for the state of Indiana, which hadn't seen a first-rounder since Kyle Schwarber in 2014, Devin Taylor emerged as a noteworthy figure. Taylor’s significant improvement in his triple-slash statistics while reducing his strikeout rate from 18.9% to 13% is a testament to his hard work and potential for growth in professional baseball.
Pitching Prospects
The draft also highlighted several promising pitchers. Chase Shores, a towering 6-foot-8 right-handed pitcher from LSU, has drawn considerable attention despite not pitching this year due to Tommy John surgery. Last year, Shores impressed with a stellar 1.96 ERA over 18 innings. Typically, pitchers require around 12 to 14 months to fully recover from such a significant procedure, setting the stage for Shores' comeback and future contributions to the sport.
The 2023 MLB amateur draft showcased a wealth of talent and potential, heralding new beginnings for many teams and players. With historic selections, familial legacies, and promising athletic prowess, this draft has undoubtedly set the stage for exciting developments in Major League Baseball. As the newly minted draftees transition from collegiate and amateur play to the professional arena, their journeys will be closely followed, promising an exhilarating era for baseball fans and the wider sports community alike.