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Guardians Announce Opening Day Roster Decision on Top Prospect

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Joey Mistretta | Last updated Mar 16, 2026 7:19 PM ET

Cleveland Guardians No. 1 overall prospect Travis Bazzana will not make the Opening Day roster, manager Stephen Vogt said. Reporter Tim Stebbins shared the news on X (formerly Twitter).

"Stephen Vogt also noted the Guardians officially informed Travis Bazzana, Dom Nuñez, Milan Tolentino and Pedro Avila they won't make the Opening Day roster. They'll remain in camp for a few more days," Stebbins wrote.

Bazzana, 23, was selected first overall in the 2024 MLB Draft. A number of top prospects in recent years have quickly made it through the minor leagues, so Guardians fans wondered if Bazzana would do the same. He still could make his MLB debut in 2026, but it won't be on Opening Day.

Bazzana performed well during spring training. However, he also spent time with Team Australia at the World Baseball Classic. He's only appeared in five spring training games as a result. Still, Bazzana slashed .286/.333/.500 across 14 spring at-bats. The infielder added a home run, four RBIs and two runs scored.

He struggled during the WBC, slashing just .188/.235/.375 across four games. Bazzana did hit a home run, though.

When Travis Bazzana Could Make MLB Debut

Former Akron RubberDucks (Double-A) second baseman Travis Bazzana.Phil Masturzo / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Although Bazzana did not earn a 2026 Opening Day roster spot, he is likely set to make his debut fairly soon. According to MLB.com, Bazzana's MLB ETA is set for 2026.

He already does a number of things at a high level on the field. Bazzana is a guy who runs well and can take the extra base. Guardians fans understand how much the team values that element of the game. Cleveland does not always score the most runs with the long ball, but the team finds ways to win games by doing the little things.

Bazzana projects to be a quality hitter at the big league level. He's a potential high-contact hitter who should be able to offer a respectable amount of power from the left side of the plate. A second baseman, Bazzana is still developing from a defensive standpoint overall. He continues to take steps forward in that department.

It would be surprising if Bazzana's MLB debut did not come to fruition in 2026. The Guardians likely will not even wait until September call-ups. Bazzana is arguably big league ready right now. He could receive the MLB promotion within the first few months of the 2026 campaign if he performs well at the Triple-A level.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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