Guardians' future arrives with call-up of Travis Bazzana, No. 1 pick in 2024 draft

Steve Gardner, USA TODAY Tue, April 28, 2026 at 2:09 PM UTC

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Seeking a boost for their struggling offense, the Cleveland Guardians are set to promote 2024 No. 1 overall draft pick Travis Bazzana for Tuesday's home game against the Tampa Bay Rays, according to multiple media reports.

Bazzana, a second baseman from Australia, was the top selection after a stellar college career at Oregon State. During his three seasons in the minor leagues, he's posted an elite .391 on-base percentage with 14 home runs and 25 stolen bases in 135 games. That should make him a significant upgrade over incumbent second baseman Juan Brito, who has posted a .176/.250/.255 slash line in 15 games.

Travis Bazzana made quite an impression on his Cleveland Guardians teammates in spring training with his talent and his work ethic.

The Guardians (15-15) begin play on April 28 just a half game behind the first-place Detroit Tigers in the American League Central Division. However, they're averaging just 4.0 runs per game – which ranks 25th out of the 30 MLB teams.

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With an already-loaded rookie class this year, Bazzana might be part of the next wave of prospects getting the call to the majors.

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The 23-year-old received his first invitation to major league spring training this year and also played with Team Australia in the World Baseball Classic.

Bazzana began the regular season at Triple-A Columbus, where he hit .287/.422/.511 in 117 plate appearances.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Travis Bazzana, MLB's 2024 No. 1 pick, called up by Guardians

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