Cleveland Guardians’ No. 1 Draft Choice Faces Rookie Pressure

First baseman Nick Kurtz from Wake Forest University (Athletics at No. 4)

First baseman Jac Caglianone, from the University of Florida (Royals at No. 6)

Condon is the only one of the three still waiting to make his major league debut.

Instead of selecting one of those three potential power threats, Cleveland tapped a player with a background of solid line drive contact, and a potential ability to hit for a high batting average .

Eventually, Bazzana projects to hit from the first part of the Guardians lineup.

As MLB.com stated in their 2024 draft recap, “Bazzana’s hit tool rates a little better than his raw power.”

At the time he was drafted, baseballsavant.mlb.com said, “A second base profile isn’t one often seen at the top of a Draft, but the conviction in his bat is so strong…”

TAIPEI, TAIWAN - NOVEMBER 18: Travis Bazzana #4 of Team Australia reacts after hitting in the top of the first inning during the WBSC Premier12 Opening Round Group B game between Australia and South Korea at Taipei Tianmu Baseball Stadium on November 18, 2024 in Taipei, Taiwan. (Photo by Gene Wang/Getty Images)

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Pressure On Bazzana:

For the past few years, the Cleveland Guardians have been looking for that “certain spark” to bolster the team’s offensive production.

Jose Ramirez remains one of the most dynamic Major League Baseball players. He hits for average, hits for power, and steals bases.

But Ramirez can’t do it alone.

This season, outfielder Chase DeLauter, himself a No. 1 Guardians selection with the 16th pick in the 2022 draft, has gotten on the field after several injuries interrupted his development.

DeLauter has shown power and a superb hit tool.

Now, finally, the Guardians have a third exciting, and potentially dynamic hitter to provide the team with a trio of possible game-changing bats at the lineup.

And for Travis Bazzana, the pressure is almost palpable..

That pressure comes with being the first overall selection in a an offense heavy draft.

Bazzana’s graduation was delayed due to an oblique, and other nagging injuries.

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 16: Nick Kurtz #16 of the Athletics reacts after he hit a double that scored three runs against the Texas Rangers in the eighth inning at Sutter Health Park on April 16, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

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Nick Kurtz has already shown power and production as the Athletics first baseman of the present and the future.

And Nick Kurtz won the American League Rookie of the Year Award in 2025.

What can Bazzana do to impact the run-starved Cleveland Guardians?

Is Bazzana viewed by fans as the guy that can turn the season in favor of Cleveland in the American League Central Division?

Is Bazzana seen by fans as the guy that can get on base with great frequency, to be driven home by Ramirez and DeLauter?

Is Bazzana the guy that will hit home runs for Cleveland like he did at Oregon State?

Is Bazzana the guy that will stabilize an uncertain second base position with great defense for years to come?

Frankly, to this old scout, that’s some kind of pressure for a young man making his major league debut.

There is little question Bazzana can, and will hit.

foxsports.com said this about Bazzana: “Bazzana showed his potential during the recent World Baseball Classic, when he had two hits and a home run for Australia in its 3-0 win over Chinese Taipei.”

Will he hit a ton of doubles? Will he hit home runs? Will he set the table and score runs that Cleveland desperately needs?

Questions followed by questions.

The answers may take some time to unravel.

It’s a long season.

Bazzana arrived before the month of May. He has five months remaining in his first exposure to major league pitching.

ALTOONA, PA - JULY 18: Travis Bazzana #37 of the Akron RubberDucks takes the file before the game between the Akron RubberDucks and the Altoona Curve at Peoples Natural Gas Field on Friday, July 18, 2025 in Altoona, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Aidan Conrad/Minor League Baseball via Getty Images)

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This observer has seen Bazzana play in spring training games over the past couple years.

yahoosports.com reports that this spring training, Jose Ramirez told Bazzana, “You look ready.You’re ready.” High praise.

The hit tool is evident.

Bazzana has not shown tremendous range at second base. He has work to do to improve his overall defense.

However, Bazzana is a much, much better defensive second baseman than Juan Brito, who held the role at second base while infielder Gabriel Arias recovered from injury, and Brayan Rocchio slid over to shortstop.

Bazzana is not as polished a defender at second base as Rocchio.

Bazzana should hit better than Rocchio. Or Arias. Or anyone the Guardians can play at second base.

Should hit. That’s the kicker.

Should hit. That’s the pressure Cleveland Guardians rookie Travis Bazzana is likely feeling after his graduation to the major leagues.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com