MLB Mock Draft 2024: Predicting Guardians' first pick
Under new manager Stephen Vogt, the Cleveland Guardians have been turning heads this season. They hold the best record in the American League Central (54-31) and are looking to keep up this pace for years to come.
They will have a chance to add an exciting player to their organization, alongside the other 29 teams with the draft scheduled for All-Star weekend. This year, Cleveland has secured the top pick in the draft and has a big decision to make.
While looking at MLB.com's Jim Callis' latest mock draft, he predicts they will select Oregon State's Travis Bazzana with the first pick. Bazzana is a second baseman who finished his 2024 season hitting .374.
The left-handed hitting infielder has a huge ceiling, and scouts are excited to see what his future holds. He has a ton of raw power and impressive bat speed that allows him to hit missiles.
However, he is not a clear No. 1 overall pick. Some believe there are some other exciting players that could help Cleveland out much more.
If not Travis Bazzana, who do the Guardians select in the first round?
This is the first time the Guardians have held the first pick in the MLB Draft, so they must make the most out of it. Luckily for them, there are a handful of players that have the talent to go first overall.
CBS Sports Mike Axisa sees Cleveland passing on Bazzana and taking JJ Wetherholt with their pick.
Wetherholt is a middle infielder from the University of West Virginia. He was considered the top pick heading into the 2024 season, but a hamstring issue caused him to miss some time. He is considered by many to be the best pure hitter in the class.
It seems that the first pick will be between Bazzana and Wetherholt, but you cannot rule out Georgia's Charlie Condon, a third baseman and an outfielder with an exciting bat.
Condon is strong offensively and can take a home run to any part of the field. He makes loud contact at the plate and has an excellent eye for the zone.
If he does not get picked by Cleveland, many see him going to the Cincinnati Reds who hold the second pick.