How Terry Francona impacted Guardians’ decision to draft Travis Bazzana in 2024

Travis Bazzana is one of the league’s most exciting young prospects, as he finally made his MLB debut this season with the Cleveland Guardians. He joined the franchise in the 2024 MLB Draft as the No. 1 overall pick that year. As it turns out, current Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona helped Cleveland select the rookie second baseman.

The year in which Francona was not managing the Guardians and was instead working as an advisor for the franchise is when Cleveland selected Bazzana No. 1 overall. Francona recalled informing Guardians’ President of Baseball Operations Chris Antonetti that he really liked Bazzana, as well as JJ Wetherholt, and felt the team should select one of those two, according to Charlie Goldsmith of Fox 19 Cincinnati.

“Terry Francona has been impressed by Cleveland second baseman Travis Bazzana for a couple of years now,” reported Antonetti. “In 2024, the year where he wasn’t managing, Francona was an advisor for Cleveland’s front office. Over the course of that college season, Bazzana and JJ Wetherholt both happened to play in Tucson.

“Francona watched them each play over the course of the season. Cleveland had the No. 1 pick that year. Francona said last night, ‘I remember telling (president of baseball operations) Chris Antonetti, I like them both. I couldn’t tell them apart. They’re both good. It’s fun to see them now in the Major Leagues after seeing them in that setting.'”

Travis Bazzana, an Australian native, has flashed major potential in his first 15 games with the Guardians. Through 50 at-bats, he owns a .240 batting average and .406 OBP with 12 hits, one home run, seven RBIs, and seven stolen bases.

He’ll have a chance to add to those numbers on Saturday. The Guardians are scheduled to take on Terry Francona and the Reds at 6:40 p.m. in Cleveland.