The Cleveland Guardians take pride in their farm system.
Rushing a player to the majors has rarely worked out in the past, but a team has to take risks sometimes.
That’s particularly true when you’re not getting much production from one position and you have a superstar prospect excelling in the minors.
That’s why Zack Meisel of The Athletic believes that the solution to the Guardians’ struggles might be right in front of them, in outfield prospect Chase DeLauter.
“The Guardians’ brand of baseball this season has been largely dull and mistake-filled, not an ideal recipe for a team with no margin for error, given its payroll and mode of operation. So, what’s the solution? The Guardians don’t spend lavishly in free agency, which makes it imperative they churn out capable young players, or trade the right prospects for the right big-league talent at the right time. And that leads us to Chase DeLauter. DeLauter plays right field. Cleveland’s right fielders rank 29th out of 30 teams in offensive production. Even mediocre production out of one of those spots would offer a jolt,” Meisel wrote.
Experts and fans always expected DeLauter to make his way to the Guardians at some point this season.
Unfortunately, injuries have delayed that decision, as the young star was forced to miss some time because of yet another ailment.
Injuries have plagued DeLauter’s promising career, and his health might be the only true concern about his game and long-term outlook.
Despite their offensive struggles, the Guardians are still a contender in the AL Wild Card race.
If they’re not going to make a big move and acquire a star at the trade deadline, which is something they rarely do, they won’t have anything to lose by letting their young outfielder prove that he can help.
Calling him up and getting him on the field would come with some risks, but the potential reward is much bigger.
He looks ready, and if he stays healthy, there’s no reason not to give him a chance.
NEXT: Former Guardians Pitcher Identifies Team's Biggest Need
