Guardians take 2B Travis Bazzana with No. 1 pick of MLB draft
Travis Bazzana, the Oregon State star who was arguably the most polished hitter in this year's draft class, made history Sunday, becoming the first second baseman ever to go No. 1 overall upon being selected by the Cleveland Guardians.
Bazzana, 21, a left-handed hitter, accumulated 28 home runs in 60 games this season, the most by a Pac-12 player in a quarter-century, while slashing .407/.568/.911. Guardians president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti said he sees Bazzana as a second baseman at the moment but believes he possesses the athleticism to play other positions, perhaps the outfield, which might eventually be necessary given the presence of Andres Gimenez in the major leagues.