The Cleveland Guardians won’t have their top prospect on the Opening Day roster after all. Manager Stephen Vogt told reporters Monday that second baseman Travis Bazzana won’t break camp with the big league club, according to MLB.com’s Tim Stebbins.
It’s a decision that’ll disappoint some fans who were hoping to see the Australian infielder make an immediate impact alongside Jose Ramirez in Cleveland’s lineup.
Bazzana posted an .858 OPS in 26 games at Triple-A last season, showing he can handle upper-level pitching. The 23-year-old was the first overall pick out of Oregon State in 2024 and has become one of the most talked-about prospects in baseball.
What makes this interesting is the timing. With less than two weeks left in spring training, the Guardians are making their most anticipated roster decisions. Bazzana will stick around big league camp for a few more days before heading back to Triple-A for regular at-bats.
The way I see it, Cleveland’s being smart here. They’re not rushing their future second baseman, even though he’s clearly talented enough to contribute now. Bazzana showed his potential on the international stage too, collecting three hits and a home run in 17 plate appearances during the World Baseball Classic with Australia.
Ramirez Carrying the Load
That puts even more pressure on Ramirez to anchor this lineup. The seven-time All-Star and six-time Silver Slugger winner is coming off his third 30-30 season – 30 home runs and 44 stolen bases in 2025. Not many switch-hitters can do that at age 32.
Cleveland’s banking on competing without much star power beyond Ramirez, which makes Bazzana’s eventual arrival that much more important. The organization knows he’s almost certainly their second baseman of the future.
Just not quite yet.
All things considered, this feels like the right move for both player and team. Bazzana gets everyday at-bats to continue developing, and the Guardians avoid rushing someone who could be a cornerstone for years to come. Expect to see him in Cleveland at some point this season – probably sooner than later if he keeps hitting like he did in Triple-A.
