The 2024 MLB Draft commenced with a historic selection as the Cleveland Guardians chose Travis Bazzana, an Australian second baseman from Oregon State, as the first overall pick. Bazzana, 21, made history as both the first Australian and the first second baseman to be taken at No. 1. His impressive college career, which included a.407 batting average, 28 home runs, and 66 RBIs in his final season, caught the attention of scouts and analysts alike.Cleveland’s president of baseball operations, Chris Antonetti, praised Bazzana’s ability to recognize pitches and make good swing decisions. Bazzana’s unique background, including his experience in cricket and his debut in the Australian Baseball League at age 15, contributed to his development as a well-rounded player.Other notable selections in the early rounds included Wake Forest right-hander Chase Burns going second to the Cincinnati Reds, and LSU third baseman Tommy White being picked by the Oakland Athletics to lead off the second round. The Chicago Cubs selected Florida State University’s Cam Smith, a third baseman, with the 14th overall pick.The draft also saw some interesting trends, with Wake Forest having three players selected in the top 10. Notably, the first high school player, shortstop Konnor Griffin, wasn’t selected until the 9th pick by the Pittsburgh Pirates, marking the latest a high school player has ever been taken in the first round.As teams continue to make their selections, the 2024 MLB Draft is shaping up to be a significant event for the future of baseball, with a mix of college and high school talent set to make their mark on the professional stage.
Key points
- Travis Bazzana, an Australian second baseman, was selected as the No.
- Bazzana is the first Australian and first second baseman to be taken first overall in MLB Draft history.
- Other top picks included Chase Burns to the Cincinnati Reds and Tommy White to the Oakland Athletics.
- The draft showcased a strong presence of college players, with Wake Forest having three players selected in the top 10.
1 overall pick by the Cleveland Guardians in the 2024 MLB Draft.
