Day 1 of the 2024 MLB Draft took place on Sunday at the Cowtown Coliseum in the Fort Worth Stockyards, and it brought with it a flurry of surprises and standout players. The first round saw unexpected choices at the top, as well as promising prospects being selected by various teams.

Travis Bazzana, a second baseman from Oregon State, emerged as the No. 1 overall pick, joining the Guardians as their top choice. Bazzana's impressive combination of hitting ability, power, and speed made him an enticing prospect for the team. With a stellar performance in college, hitting .407/.568/.911 with 28 home runs, 76 walks, and only 37 strikeouts in 60 games, Bazzana solidified his position as a top pick.

The Cincinnati Reds, with the second overall pick, surprised many by selecting Wake Forest right-hander Chase Burns, passing on Georgia slugger Charlie Condon who was widely expected to go in that spot. Burns, with his impressive fastball that can reach 102 mph and a devastating slider, showcased his potential to be a dominant force on the mound. Although there are questions about his command, Burns' sheer talent and strikeout numbers, leading Division I with 191 strikeouts in 100 innings, pushed him ahead of other prospects on the Reds' list.

Another notable surprise was West Virginia middle infielder JJ Wetherholt falling to the St. Louis Cardinals at the seventh overall pick. Wetherholt, considered a potential No. 1 overall candidate, brings versatility and skill to the Cardinals' organization. His slide down the draft order was unexpected and snagging him at No. 7 proved to be a steal for the Cardinals.

As the draft progressed into the later rounds, attention turned to the impact these players will have on their new teams. While the official rankings and team lists will be updated after the signing deadline in August, it is anticipated that several of the new draftees will become their club's top prospects.

Among them, Bazzana is set to become the Cleveland Guardians' top prospect, surpassing outfielder Chase DeLauter, who has been hampered by injuries but has shown great potential. Bazzana's hitting prowess and overall skill set make him a formidable asset for the Guardians.

In Cincinnati, Chase Burns is expected to become the Reds' top prospect, overshadowing last year's seventh overall pick, Rhett Lowder. While Lowder brings excellent control and a strong pitch repertoire, Burns' electric stuff and high strikeout numbers give him the edge.

Meanwhile, Charlie Condon, despite not being picked in the expected spot, has immense potential as a power hitter. Condon's exceptional performance in college, leading Division I in multiple categories, makes him an exciting prospect for the team that selects him. If he ends up playing for the Colorado Rockies, Condon's power could make him their most potent prospect since Nolan Arenado.

The conclusion of Day 1 of the 2024 MLB Draft showcased surprises, unexpected choices, and standout players who could potentially make a significant impact on their respective teams. The remaining rounds and signings will further shape the landscape of the league as these talented prospects embark on their professional journeys.