Since graduating from high school in Sydney, Australia, Travis Bazzana has been a-waltzing all over the United States, from college in Corvallis, Ore., to Eastlake, Ohio, home of the Guardians¡¯ High-A affiliate, the Lake County Captains. But for the past two nights, the Guardians' top prospect has taken his Matilda to The Diamond in Richmond, Va., where he has burst onto the Double-A scene, clubbing his first home run at the level in an 8-3 Akron win.
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After spending time at big league camp this spring, MLB¡¯s No. 9 prospect made his Double-A debut on Friday and immediately got down to business, recording his first two hits and two stolen bases at the level. In addition to showcasing his 70-grade hit tool, he drew two walks.
Bazzana followed this up with his first Double-A home run on Saturday in a terrific all-around performance -- with a homer, two singles and a double, it marked the first four-hit game of his pro career. In fact, he had four-or-more hits just three times in college, despite his elite offensive numbers, including when he slashed .407/.568/.911 last year en route to becoming the first overall pick.
After a quick stint at High-A last season that ended with a Midwest League crown, Bazzana impressed during Cactus League play by walking as many times as he struck out and slugging his first roundtripper (unofficial as it may be) in a Guardians uniform. Although he's only played 29 pro games, the Aussie has quickly shown he's on the fast track to Cleveland, acclimating to the upper Minors seamlessly to open 2025.