2024 MLB Draft Profile: Travis Bazzana
We’ve already looked at potential first-overall pick Charlie Condon. Now, we’ll take a look at the other potential first-overall pick, second baseman Travis Bazzana from Oregon State.
Scouting grades: Hit: 60 / Power: 60 / Run: 60 / Arm: 50 / Field: 50 / Overall: 65
Bazzana has that pure hit tool. He carries plus bat-to-ball skills with an even better eye. He hardly ever expands the zone and uses the whole field to his advantage. Bazanna punishes pitches left in the zone and will fight off ones on the black.
In three seasons at OSU, Bazanna slashed .363/.500/.668 with 45 home runs, 164 RBIs, and 66 stolen bases. Because of his great eye and approach at the plate, Bazanna walked 177 times in those three seasons.
An import out of Sydney, Australia, The Aussie’s swing from the left side has tormented pitchers. He’s flashed plus raw power and most recently hit 28 homers this year at OSU.
While he dominates right-handed pitching, Bazanna will need to improve on his hitting against lefties. His swing rates and chase rates both jump a bit against southpaws, and his exit velocities decline as well. The bat speed and discipline are still there, however, which will make Bazanna a tough out at any level.
While playing some shortstop and outfield throughout his career, Bazanna will most likely stay at second base. He has great range and twitch along with his 60-grade speed to add to that. Bazanna lacks the necessary arm strength to be a true shortstop/outfielder, but that can also change as time progresses.
His speed isn’t just good for his defense. Bazanna is an excellent baserunner with a great IQ on the basepath. He stole 36 bases in his second year at OSU and should be a consistent 20-30 stolen base player at the big league level.
If Bazanna can adjust to lefties, he can be one of the top hitters in the game. He has comps to Jason Kipnis and Chase Utley, and he has the potential to be a better power hitter than both of them.
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