Jac Caglianone vs. Travis Bazzana: Who's the better fit for the Cleveland Guardians in the 2024 MLB draft?
The Cleveland Guardians will be on the clock when the 2024 MLB draft begins on Sunday, July 14. Players drafted will have the opportunity to return to college if they do not sign a contract. But there have been just two first-overall picks who did not sign since the draft's inception in 1965, with the last instance coming all the way back in 1983.
The 2024 MLB draft will mark the Guardians' holding the top overall pick for the first time in franchise history. While they had the ninth-best odds of selecting first overall (2.0%), Cleveland won the 2024 draft Lottery. Florida Gators first baseman and starting pitcher Jac Caglianone and Oregon State Beavers second baseman Travis Bazzana are among the candidates to be selected first overall.
Take a look at which player is a better fit for the Guardians below.
Is Jac Caglianone or Travis Bazzana a better fit for the Cleveland Guardians in the 2024 MLB draft?
Jac Caglianone, Florida Gators
Jac Caglianone enters the 2024 MLB draft as a rare two-way prospect. While most players are forced to pick between pitching and hitting after college, the Florida Gators first baseman and starting pitcher appears destined to continue with both.
Caglianone finished the 2024 season with a .419 batting average, 35 home runs, 72 RBIs, 83 runs scored, 104 hits and a 1.419 OPS. On the mound, he went 5-2 with a 4.76 ERA and 83 strikeouts in 73.2 innings pitched.
Travis Bazzana, Oregon State Beavers
Travis Bazzana is among the best bats in the 2024 MLB draft while playing a position that is not generally known for its offense. The Oregon State Beavers second baseman finished the 2024 season with a .407 batting average, 28 home runs, 66 RBIs, 84 runs scored, 87 hits and a 1.479 OPS.
Who's the better fit for the Cleveland Guardians in the 2024 MLB draft?
While the Cleveland Guardians are leading the AL Central, they have not gotten much production from their starting rotation. While Travis Bazzana is a great hitter, Jac Caglianone's ability to hit and pitch at a high level provides more value.
Unlike most teams at the top of the draft, Cleveland is not rebuilding and the Florida Gators' first baseman and starting pitcher is expected to quickly ascend through the minor leagues.