Who is Travis Bazzana and can he go first overall in the 2024 MLB draft?

Travis Bazzana grew up in Sydney, Australia. MLB has had players born abroad before. MLB has even fielded Australian players before. But Travis Bazzana is a different kettle of fish entirely.

Bazzana has made a name for himself as a standout player at Oregon State and is heavily picked to go either first or second overall in the 2024 MLB Draft. That in itself would be historic since no Australian has ever gone in the first round of the draft. Travis Bazzana could smash that and set the bar incredibly high, something that he is looking forward to.

“The premise of everything I want to achieve is I want to make Australia a powerhouse in baseball,” said Bazzana. “It’s not going to come from me, but I want to start that trend.”

As a child in Australia, Bazzana devoted himself to baseball, itself unusual in a country where baseball is played but cricket is always the first love. He made waves in domestic leagues, but his real breakthrough came when he moved to the United States.

At Oregon State, Bazzana quickly became a key player for the Beavers, where he is now their all-time hit leader. His ability to hit consistently, combined with his speed and agility, made him a versatile and valuable player. Characterized by athleticism and versatility, Bazzana primarily plays middle infield, although he has also shown capability in the outfield.

But where he really stands out is at the plate. His batting skills are particularly noteworthy, with a combination of power and precision that makes him a consistent threat at the plate. Moreover, his speed on the bases and defensive acumen further add to his comprehensive skill set.

His college career at Oregon State University has been nothing short of stellar. But his biggest asset may be his work ethic, which is what first caught the eye of coaches and trainers way back when he was twelve years old. While others had more natural ability than he did, Bazzana alone would put in the work to take notes and improve where needed.

Australia has produced several notable MLB players, such as Dave Nilsson, Grant Balfour, and Liam Hendriks, but Bazzana has the potential to top them all.

His exceptional talent, combined with his work ethic and international experience, positions him well for a successful career. If he continues on his current path, Travis Bazzana could very well become a household name in baseball, representing the pinnacle of Australian talent in the sport.