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.
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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Teenager Konnor Griffin makes rare early jump to the big leagues
Mar 1, 2026; Jupiter, Florida, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin (75) celebrates after hitting a two-run home run against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Teenager Konnor Griffin makes rare early jump to the big leagues
Mar 1, 2026; Jupiter, Florida, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin (75) celebrates after hitting a two-run home run against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Teenager Konnor Griffin makes rare early jump to the big leagues
Mar 9, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin (75) runs to second base on a two-rbi double against the New York Yankees in the fifth inning during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
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Teenager Konnor Griffin makes rare early jump to the big leagues
Mar 9, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin (75) runs to second base on a two-rbi double against the New York Yankees in the fifth inning during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
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Teenager Konnor Griffin makes rare early jump to the big leagues
Mar 1, 2026; Jupiter, Florida, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin (75) rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Teenager Konnor Griffin makes rare early jump to the big leagues
Mar 21, 2026; Bradenton, Florida, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Konnor Griffin (75) at bat during the fourth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at LECOM Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
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Teenager Konnor Griffin makes rare early jump to the big leagues
Mar 1, 2026; Jupiter, Florida, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin (75) hits a two-run home run against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Teenager Konnor Griffin makes rare early jump to the big leagues
Konnor Griffin could bring immediate speed and power to the Pirates (and fantasy teams).
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Teenager Konnor Griffin makes rare early jump to the big leagues
Mar 1, 2026; Jupiter, Florida, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin (75) turns a double play against the St. Louis Cardinals during the second inning at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Teenager Konnor Griffin makes rare early jump to the big leagues
Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin (75) returns to the dugout against the St. Louis Cardinals during the second inning at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium on March 1, 2026 in Jupiter, Florida.
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
