Some expected Australia to head far in the Premier12 when rosters were announced, and the number one overall pick of the 2024 MLB Draft, Travis Bazzana, would be representing the team. Bazzana has international playing experience with Australia, playing with their U-18 and U-23 teams. Australia finished fourth in Group B, putting together a 1-4 record, tied with the Dominican Republic and Cuba.
Bazzana, 22, started and played in all five games in the Opening Round. He started at second base for the first four games and then was slotted as the designated hitter for Australia’s final game against South Korea. In those five games, Bazzana hit .263, picking up five hits in 19 at-bats, collecting one RBI, walking twice, and stealing two bases.
Defensively, Bazzana was spectacular in the first four games at second base. He held a 1.000 fielding percentage, turning five double plays, with two coming in their game against Cuba. In 20 chances in the field, he recorded eight putouts and 12 assists.
It will be intriguing to see if Bazzana will be with the Premier12 team in 2027, but he is likely to make his MLB debut long before then. It will be great to see which Australian prospects could make an impact at the next Premier12 three years from now. But many are excited to see what Travis Bazzana will be able to do in a full year of affiliated baseball this spring.
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