Sports · Baseball · 1 hr ago
Australian Travis Bazzana helps Cleveland pursue a World Series place
Australian second baseman Travis Bazzana has become a key player for Cleveland's Guardians in his first Major League Baseball season.
The 24-year-old was the first Australian chosen first overall in the MLB draft, in 2024, and made his major-league debut on April 28.
He became an All-Star in July and has helped Cleveland in the play-offs with his hitting and defence.
A crucial double against the Chicago White Sox helped keep the Guardians' play-off hopes alive earlier this month.
Cleveland is tied 1-1 with Tampa Bay in the best-of-seven American League championship series, with a place in the World Series at stake.
Bazzana grew up in Turramurra, New South Wales, and played for Oregon State University before Cleveland drafted him.
The teams meet in game three on Friday, as the Guardians try to move closer to the World Series; Bazzana could become only the second Australian to win one.
Australian rookie Travis Bazzana is helping the Cleveland Guardians pursue a place in the World Series.
Cleveland is tied 1-1 with the Tampa Bay Rays in the best-of-seven American League championship series.
Bazzana debuted in the major leagues on April 28 and was selected as an All-Star in July.
The 24-year-old was the first Australian chosen with the No. 1 pick in the MLB draft.
He is the seventh Australian to feature in an MLB post-season.
- Who
- Travis Bazzana and the Cleveland Guardians are pursuing a World Series place.
- What
- Bazzana is making an impact as Cleveland competes in the American League championship series.
- When
- October 2026. The article was published on October 15.
- Where
- Cleveland is playing the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League championship series; the venue is not stated.
- Why
- The Guardians are seeking a place in the World Series.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Bazzana was recruited by Oregon State University.
The Cleveland Guardians selected Bazzana with the first pick of the MLB draft.
Bazzana was called up to the major leagues and made his debut.
Bazzana earned All-Star selection.
Bazzana hit five home runs in a 10-game stretch as Cleveland won seven games.
Cleveland was tied 1-1 with Tampa Bay in the best-of-seven American League championship series.
- Age
- 24
- Draft selection
- First pick of the 2024 MLB draft
- Major-league debut
- April 28, 2026
- All-Star selection
- July 2026
- Championship series
- Guardians tied 1-1 with the Tampa Bay Rays in a best-of-seven series
What people are saying
He’s an animal
I’m still working through that and trying to become more consistent
Don’t let anyone set limits on what your belief is or what you think you can do