As one of the Cleveland Guardians’ most heralded prospects in years, Chase DeLauter will be given every chance to make his regular-season MLB debut on Opening Day. His offensive potential is something they can surely use as they attempt to get back to the playoffs.
DeLauter actually played his first MLB game in last year’s postseason, getting a promotion for the AL Wild Card series. Now, he’s hoping to earn a permanent spot on the roster.
Well, DeLauter is off to a very good start in spring training, with two singles in his first two at-bats.
“Chase DeLauter’s feel for the barrel is crazy. Even when you fool him, he can get to it with enough strength to sneak it into the outfield,” Aram Leighton wrote on X.
Chase DeLauter’s feel for the barrel is crazy. Even when you fool him, he can get to it with enough strength to sneak it into the outfield. pic.twitter.com/7kjRJjUgzm
— Aram Leighton (@AramLeighton8) February 21, 2026
It didn’t take very long for DeLauter to make his presence felt in the Guardians’ 2026 lineup. Leading off a split-squad game against the Milwaukee Brewers, DeLauter got a base hit in his first at-bat, and then added another one in his second.
The left-handed hitter showed impressive bat control facing Brewers starting pitcher Garrett Stallings. He reached down for a changeup low in the strike zone and pushed the ball for a hit on the second pitch of the game.
After grounding into a fielder’s choice, he finished 2-for-3 before he was replaced by Jaison Chourio. DeLauter started in center field, which is significant as the Guardians try to figure out their outfield configuration.
In the other split-squad game against the Cincinnati Reds, Steven Kwan started as usual in left field. There is a chance that the four-time Gold Glove winner could move to center field, thereby allowing DeLauter to play left, a somewhat easier position, which could ease the rookie’s transition to full-time major leaguer.
There are plenty of other contenders for jobs as well. Manager Stephen Vogt said he plans to use DeLauter, George Valera, Johnathan Rodriguez, Angel Martinez and Nolan Jones all around the outfield during spring training as he determines the best offensive and defensive alignments.
Fellow top prospect Travis Bazzana also made his spring debut against the Brewers, and the second baseman was 0-for-2 with a walk before he was replaced by Dayan Frias.
NEXT: Stephen Vogt Has Honest Admission About The Way 2025 Season Ended
