Travis Bazzana made history in 2024 by becoming the first Australian to be selected with the first overall pick in the MLB Draft.
The second baseman was selected by the Cleveland Guardians following an impressive collegiate career with the Oregon State Beavers.
Since joining the pros, Bazzana has worked for Cleveland’s Double-A affiliate, the Akron RubberDucks, but one baseball expert believes his major league debut is still a long way off.
Baseball expert claims Travis Bazzana not close to MLB debut
There isn’t a long list of Australians who have played in the Major League Baseball, but Aussie baseball fans have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of Bazzana, who has the potential to be the next baseball star from Down Under.
@espn_australia_nz When will we see Aussie Travis Bazzana in the Majors? ⚾️ #mlb #espnaustralia #baseball #sports #foryoupage ♬ original sound – ESPN Australia/NZ
However, according to ESPN’s Buster Olney, the Sydney product still has work to do before making his MLB debut.
“[Bazzana’s debut] is not happening anytime soon,” Olney stated this week.
“Teams want to see top draft picks go to the minor leagues and dominate for an extended period of time; he hasn’t done that yet, but he is hitting.230 in Double A, with a.330 on-base percentage.
“The Guardians are an organization that provides opportunities for young players, particularly position players who typically struggle with offense, and if Travis goes off and has a stretch of [dominant play] lasting a month or six weeks, they will bring him up to the big leagues.
“But to this point that hasn’t happened yet, and by the way that’s not unusual, a lot of players take time to get accustomed to playing professionally.”
Bazzana has 24 hits in 26 games for Akron this season, with 16 RBI and three home runs.
Meanwhile, the Guardians are 22-15, second in the AL Central and have the league’s sixth best record.
