Sunday night marked a significant event in Major League Baseball (MLB) history as the amateur draft took center stage, showcasing top prospects and stirring excitement among fans and franchises alike. The Cleveland Guardians headlined the evening by making a historic pick, selecting Oregon State second baseman Travis Bazzana with the first overall selection—the first time the Guardians had ever held the No. 1 pick in the franchise's history.
In their storied past, the Guardians have held the second pick on five occasions, the most recent being in 1992. This historic milestone set the tone for what would be an eventful first night, during which 74 picks were made. These picks spanned the first and second rounds, along with several compensatory and supplementary phases, laying the groundwork for the future of numerous MLB teams. The draft festivities are scheduled to continue at 2 p.m. ET on Tuesday.
Top Prospects and Rankings
Among the notable names entering the draft, Dakota Jordan, a talented outfielder from Mississippi State, drew considerable attention. Ranked No. 28 on the top-50 list, Jordan has shown both promise and room for growth. Despite his 31% strikeout rate in SEC at-bats, one insider noted, "There's star-level upside if Jordan's employer can help him maximize his traits."
Pitchers Joey Oakie and Dax Whitney also captured the spotlight. Oakie, a right-handed pitcher from Ankeny Centennial in Iowa, is known for his fastball-slider combination delivered from a distinctive flat release point. Ranked No. 42, Oakie stands out as a prospect with significant potential. Similarly, Whitney, another right-handed pitcher from Blackfoot High School in Idaho, has seen an improvement in his velocity this year, further boosting his rank to No. 45.
Outfielder Mike Sirota from Northeastern made a strong case for himself, earning rank No. 47. Sirota showcased an impressive walk rate, surpassing his strikeouts this season, and displayed notable performance in the Cape Cod League last summer.
Additional Noteworthy Picks
Other prospects turning heads included Drew Beam from Tennessee, ranked No. 49. Beam's solid performance indicated that he might still come off the board somewhat early on Day 2, as suggested by an industry source.
Among left-handed pitchers, Josh Hartle from Wake Forest, who ended the season with a 5.79 ERA over 15 games, and Clemson's Tristan Smith, who issued over six walks per nine innings in two seasons, were also notable mentions. Smith’s control issues are evident but his potential is undeniable.
Position players like Kevin Bazzell from Texas Tech added depth to the roster of attractive draftees. Bazzell, who overcame mononucleosis earlier this year, batted .330/.431/.530 with 16 home runs over two seasons and projects as a catcher at the next level. "In addition to projecting as a catcher at the next level, Bazzell was an accomplished collegiate hitter," observed one scout.
Infielders like Peyton Stovall from Arkansas and Carson DeMartini from Virginia Tech also made impressive showings. Stovall posted a solid .315/.390/.532 in conference play, while DeMartini belted 21 home runs this season despite striking out nearly 28% of the time.
Looking Forward
The first day of the MLB amateur draft set the stage for what promises to be an exciting and transformative event for many teams. The Cleveland Guardians' historic selection of Travis Bazzana as the first overall pick marks a new chapter for the franchise as they seek to build a more competitive roster. Meanwhile, other top prospects await their turns to join the ranks of professional baseball, with hopes of making impactful contributions to their future teams.
The draft will resume on Tuesday, continuing to provide teams with the opportunity to bolster their lineups and secure the services of the sport's brightest young talents. As the event progresses, the baseball community remains eager to see how these emerging players will shape the future of Major League Baseball.