Guardians Call Up Travis Bazzana

The Guardians will add No. 1 overall 2024 draft pick Travis Bazzana to the roster for the second game of a series against the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday, April 28. He will start at second base, replacing rookie Juan Brito, who has hit .176 with 17 strikeouts in 51 at-bats.

Bazzana, an infielder from Australia, hit .370 with a 1.157 OPS at Oregon State and was selected first overall by Cleveland. He logged 14 homers, 61 RBIs and 35 doubles. After an oblique strain limited his 2025 season, he posted .287/.422/.511 with two homers, ten RBIs, eight steals and .933 or .826 OPS in 24 Triple-A games for Columbus.

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Cleveland ranks 19th in runs and OPS and has scored only seven runs in its last three games. Second base has been a weakness: Brayan Rocchio moved to shortstop after Gabriel Arias’ hamstring injury, and Daniel Schneemann has been sharing duties. Bazzana joins a young core that includes Jose Ramírez, Chase DeLauter, Angel Martinez and Brayan Rocchio, and is expected to raise the lineup’s on-base percentage.

Bazzana leads all minor leagues in doubles (11) and has drawn 21 walks in 24 games. He recorded two home runs and ten RBIs in his first 14 MLB games (one source). The promotion addresses the team’s offensive slump and the need for a reliable second baseman.

Manager Stephen Antonetti said Bazzana is progressing, building consistency at the plate and defensively, and is ready to contribute at the major-league level. He noted the decision balances short-term need with long-term development. The club indicated that optioning Juan Brito and clearing a 40-man roster spot were required.

Analysts point out Bazzana’s 135 minor-league games are a modest sample for a top-overall pick. Some suggest the promotion may be driven by arbitration timing rather than performance. Sources differ on his Triple-A OPS (reported as .933, .826 or .822) and on his defensive error total.

• “I think he's continuing to progress and build consistency with his at-bats and make progress on both sides of the ball, offensively and defensively,” — Stephen Antonetti, Cleveland Guardians manager

• “He’s not afraid to work deep counts because his quick, compact left-handed swing allows him to make consistent contact,” — MLB Pipeline

• “Travis Bazzana season is offically upon us.” — Jeff Passan (Twitter)

Bazzana is slated to debut on Tuesday against the Rays. The Guardians will monitor his adjustment while finalizing the infield configuration and tracking the team’s offensive trajectory.