Travis Bazzana, the top choice in the MLB draft from Oregon State, officially signed his first professional contract with the Cleveland Guardians.
According to a person acquainted with the negotiations, Bazzana and Progressive Field reached a $8.95 million agreement. The actual sum of the contract has not been made public. The MLB had valued the top choice at $10.57 million, but Bazzana, a 21-year-old second baseman from Australia, admitted he did not expect full slot money.
“I wanted to join a team where I could grow, and the way the Guardians approach the game appealed to me,” said Bazzana, who stands 6’0″ and weighs 199 pounds. “My agents understood my preference to be part of the Guardians.”
The left-handed hitter will start with Class-A Lake County and might make his minor league debut later this month. Lake County’s stadium is located in Eastlake, Ohio, a short drive from downtown Cleveland.
Bazzana will join the Guardians for batting practice on Saturday before their game versus San Diego. He is the first No. 1 overall pick in franchise history, as well as the first time a second baseman has been chosen first overall.
“I’ve been watching José Ramírez highlights repeatedly, and now I’ll get to meet him and say hello,” said Bazzana, referring to Cleveland’s six-time All-Star third baseman. “That’s when it starts to feel real.”
During his three seasons at Oregon State, Bazzana had a.360 hitting average, 45 home runs, and 165 RBI. He hit.407 this season, with 28 home runs and 66 RBIs.
“I hope sports enthusiasts in Australia will become Guardians fans and follow Major League Baseball,” according to him. “It’s thrilling to think the next Travis Bazzana could watch my journey from home.”
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