Cleveland Guardians Face Tough Decision as Top Picks Revealed in 2024 MLB Mock Draft
ICARO Media Group
The Cleveland Guardians are gearing up for the highly anticipated 2024 MLB draft, where they will have the difficult task of selecting their top pick. The Guardians, who hold the first overall selection, are weighing their options between several top collegiate hitters and the standout pitcher in this year's draft class.
While the decision may not be as clear-cut as last year's first pick by the Pittsburgh Pirates, who secured the talented Paul Skenes, the Guardians have narrowed their options down to three players. Travis Bazzana, Charlie Condon, and Chase Burns are all highly touted prospects in their own right, but none are considered generational talents like Skenes.
Many mock drafts have projected Travis Bazzana, a second baseman from Oregon State, as the top pick for the Guardians. Bazzana's impressive performance in his final season, boasting a .407 batting average, 28 home runs, 66 RBI, and a stellar 1.479 OPS, has caught the attention of scouts and analysts alike. ESPN.com's Kiley McDaniel even suggested that Bazzana's refined skills and consistency at the plate make him an enticing choice for Cleveland's top spot.
However, the Guardians also have their eyes on Charlie Condon, a power-hitting third baseman/outfielder from Georgia. Condon set college baseball ablaze with an astounding 37 home runs and a .433 batting average, showcasing his raw power and ability to hit for average. If Bazzana is chosen by another team, Condon is expected to be the Guardians' top target.
Meanwhile, Wake Forest pitcher Chase Burns has emerged as the premier arm in this year's draft class. With a strong record of success during his collegiate career, including a 10-1 record, 2.70 ERA, and an impressive 191 strikeouts in his final season, Burns has garnered attention from pitching-needy teams. The Colorado Rockies, in particular, are in search of reinforcements, considering Burns as a potential top pick unless Bazzana or Condon unexpectedly remain available.
As the 2024 MLB draft approaches, teams like the Cincinnati Reds, picking second, and the Colorado Rockies, picking third, eagerly await their opportunity to select the remaining top prospects in the draft class.
The draft promises to be an exciting event, with a multitude of young talent expected to make an impact in the majors in the coming years. The Guardians, Reds, and Rockies, among others, will be looking to solidify their futures with their selections.
While the final decisions rest in the hands of the teams, it will soon be revealed who the Cleveland Guardians decide to entrust with their first overall pick. All eyes are on Bazzana, Condon, and Burns as the 2024 MLB draft unfolds and the future stars of Major League Baseball begin their journey.