Guardians make Opening Day decision on No. 1 prospect who posted .610 OPS at WBC

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Guardians make Opening Day decision on No. 1 prospect who posted .610 OPS at WBC originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Opening Day is around the corner, and the Cleveland Guardians are expecting to field a competitive roster despite a lack of star power.

As a seven-time All-Star and six-time Silver Slugger Award winner, third baseman Jose Ramirez will be heavily relied upon to lead the starting lineup. The switch-hitter recorded the third 30-30 season of his career in 2025, launching 30 home runs with 44 stolen bases.

With less than two weeks remaining in spring training, the Guardians made one of their most anticipated roster decisions of the preseason on Monday. The ruling could upset some fans who were looking forward to seeing the AL Central club's top prospect on the Opening Day roster and the impact the infielder could have in the lineup alongside Ramirez.

Guardians announce Opening Day fate of No. 1 prospect​

As one of the most talked-about prospects in baseball, second baseman Travis Bazzana's MLB debut is a highly anticipated moment for the Guardians organization. The Australian was the first overall pick out of Oregon State University in 2024.

Despite an .858 OPS in 26 games at Triple-A in 2025, Guardians manager Stephen Vogt informed reporters that Bazzana will not break camp with the Major League club, per MLB.com's Tim Stebbins.

It's likely the 23-year-old will open the year back at Triple-A for everyday at-bats, but he may join the club later this season. Bazzana had three hits, including one home run, in 17 trips to the plate in the World Baseball Classic with Australia.

Stebbins adds that Bazzana will remain in big league camp for the next few days. He is almost certainly Cleveland's future second baseman for years to come, just not yet.

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