Travis Bazzana looms as the missing piece for the Guardians lineup

Travis Bazzana looms as the missing piece for the Guardians lineup originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Cleveland Guardians are one team that you can never count out. Despite not having the same star power as other teams do, they always seem to be a scrappy bunch that finds a way to fight for a division championship.

With much of the attention on the Detroit Tigers, the Guardians have come out as the team to beat in the AL Central. Going into Thursday's matchup, they hold an 8-5 record, sitting atop the division.

That's fantastic, but can the team keep this up? You can never have too much offense, and maybe it's time for the front office to think about calling someone up.

MORE:Chase DeLauter's swing has feet movement unlike any in MLB for Cleveland Guardians

Travis Bazzana looms as the missing piece for the Guardians lineup

There was some buzz before the season opened up on whether Travis Bazzana would make the Opening Day roster or not. He is the club's top prospect and MLB's No. 17th prospect overall.

Unfortunately, he did not make the Opening Day roster. However, he is someone that MLB Pipeline has circled as a potential impactful call-up who could add to the offense.

"The Guardians aren't getting much offense out of their middle infield, a shortcoming that the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 Draft could address. Few prospects can combine hitting ability, raw power and plate discipline like Bazzana can, even if his Triple-A numbers are more modest than expected."

Now, part of the reason he is still in the minors is the lack of professional experience. But with 121 games now under his belt, and some experience in the World Baseball Classic, it wouldn't hurt to see what he's got, and what he can bring to the lineup in the big leagues.

If the Guardians need a boost at any point during the season, they know who to turn to.

More MLB news:

• Orioles' No. 3 prospect primed to be next man up once stretched out
• MLB analyst urges Blue Jays to sign former White Sox, Red Sox pitcher
• Previous reports hinted at Roman Anthony having defensive question marks
• MLB analyst sets the stage for Yankees' rotation regression despite elite ERA
• Cal Raleigh is proving to be more human than his 2025 stats suggested