Chase DeLauter is about to make his regular-season debut, already knowing what it’s like to play in an MLB game. That limited postseason experience could prove to be beneficial as he does so, but last year’s promotion by the Cleveland Guardians is a greater indication of his high ceiling.
The 24-year-old outfielder has been listed among Cleveland’s top prospects ever since he was taken in the first round of the 2022 MLB Draft. Now, that potential could be about to pay off as a big part of its plans for this season.
DeLauter has been given an encouraging stat projection for 2026, which includes a career high in the important category of games played.
“DeLauter is the rare player who already knows what it’s like to compete in the playoffs without any regular-season experience. That should change very soon as DeLauter could make Cleveland’s Opening Day lineup as either a center fielder or a corner outfielder. Injuries have limited the 2022 first-round draft pick to just 138 minor league games and no more than 57 in a single year, so forecasting his immediate future can be a tough task, but Steamer is pretty optimistic about his ability to stay on the field in 2026. DeLauter is projected for a .252/.326/.408 slash line with 14 homers in 118 games and 497 PAs,” Brian Murphy wrote.
Injuries that included a preseason sports hernia and in-season wrist surgery limited DeLauter to just 34 games for Triple-A Columbus last season. He did manage to produce a slash line of .278/.383/.476 with five home runs in 126 at-bats.
If he could approach those numbers while playing significantly more games for the Guardians, it would greatly benefit their outlook. DeLauter is one of four rookies who could be given a more significant role this season, and they will all have to perform to justify the organization’s lack of activity in improving the offense this offseason.
Fellow prospect Travis Bazzana is also about to make his MLB debut, and he could be the starting second baseman alongside DeLauter, George Valera, and C.J. Kayfus in the lineup. In addition, prospects Angel Genao, Ralphy Velazquez, and Cooper Ingle are heading to spring training with breakout potential.
With one of the best farm systems in baseball and one of the lowest payrolls in the game, these prospects are the only way for the Guardians to achieve sustained success. Manager Stephen Vogt is on board with this plan, and it has paid off with consecutive AL Central titles.
Now, DeLauter will try to get the Guardians back to the postseason, where he already knows what that’s like.
NEXT: Top Guardians Prospect Will Face 'Important Year' In 2026
