Travis Bazzana's WBC commitment may cost him an Opening Day roster spot

Even if true, it's only a matter of time before the prospect forces his way up.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Major League Baseball has seen an increase in the floor for prospect talent over the years, with younger players seemingly more ready than ever to make the big transition from minor league ball to the big leagues. The Cleveland Guardians' top prospect, Travis Bazzana, may miss out on an Opening Day roster spot due to his commitment to play for Team Australia in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

Why it matters

Bazzana's decision to represent his home country in the WBC could work against his chances of winning an Opening Day roster spot, as he will be away from the team during Spring Training. However, it's only a matter of time before Bazzana forces his way into the picture, as he posted an impressive .813 OPS with 31 extra-base hits in 84 games while reaching Triple-A last season.

The details

Bazzana won't have the same looks in front of manager Stephen Vogt that Gabriel Arias will, as Arias also worked with Brayan Rocchio up the middle last season, giving them established chemistry. If Bazzana does not make the Opening Day roster, expect to see him make his MLB debut at some point during the season.

  • Bazzana will be playing for Team Australia in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

The players

Travis Bazzana

The Cleveland Guardians' top prospect, who posted an .813 OPS with 31 extra-base hits in 84 games while reaching Triple-A last season.

Gabriel Arias

A Guardians player who worked with Brayan Rocchio up the middle last season, giving them established chemistry.

Brayan Rocchio

A Guardians player who worked with Gabriel Arias up the middle last season, giving them established chemistry.

Stephen Vogt

The manager of the Cleveland Guardians.

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What they’re saying

“It's only a matter of time before Travis Bazzana forces his way into the picture. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft posted an .813 OPS with 31 extra-base hits in 84 games while reaching Triple-A last season. He will suit up for Team Australia in the World Baseball Classic, which could work against his chances of winning an Opening Day roster spot since he will be away from the team.”

— Joel Reuter, Bleacher Report writer (Bleacher Report)

What’s next

If Bazzana does not make the Opening Day roster, expect to see him make his MLB debut at some point during the season.

The takeaway

This case highlights the increasing talent level of MLB prospects, with younger players seemingly more ready than ever to make the jump to the big leagues. While Bazzana's WBC commitment may cost him an Opening Day roster spot, it's only a matter of time before he forces his way up to the Guardians' roster and makes his MLB debut.