The expectations are definitely high for Cleveland Guardians rookie outfielder Chase DeLauter. Not only is he projected to have an excellent first year, but his performance could go a long way in determining how the season goes as a whole.
The Guardians’ No. 2 overall prospect according to MLB.com, DeLauter became one of the rare players to make his MLB debut in a postseason game. With Cleveland looking for a boost on offense, he was promoted to play in the AL Wild Card Round against the Detroit Tigers.
Though the Guardians lost that series in three games, and DeLauter went just 1-for-6 in his two appearances, he made an impression on manager Stephen Vogt. Now, with a solid spring training performance virtually guaranteeing his spot in the Opening Day lineup, the organization hopes bigger things are in store.
ESPN insider Jeff Passan recently made a big prediction about DeLauter, saying he could become the Guardians’ second-best offensive player behind superstar third baseman Jose Ramirez.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if … Chase DeLauter is the second-best hitter in the Guardians’ lineup. This depends, of course, on DeLauter staying healthy, which has proved troublesome since his junior year of college in 2022. Since then, he has played in 57, 39 and 42 games. Those issues haven’t been major, but DeLauter has to shake his injury-proneness to reach his All-Star-caliber potential,” Passan wrote.
As a first-round pick in the 2022 MLB Draft, and with three productive if injury-shortened minor league seasons under his belt, DeLauter certainly has the profile to become an impact offensive player. In his 138 minor league games, he has a .304 batting average and an .888 OPS with 40 doubles and 20 home runs, and 70 walks compared to just 80 strikeouts.
In seven spring training games, he is batting .389 with a 1.117 OPS. However, the injury bug has come up again, as he has been sidelined for a bit with lower-body soreness.
With Ramirez leading the Guardians’ attack as a perennial AL MVP candidate, their second-best hitter has most recently been All-Star left fielder Steven Kwan. Power-hitting first baseman Kyle Manzardo could ascend to that role this season, as could catcher Bo Naylor if he continues his impressive recent trajectory.
No. 1 rated prospect Travis Bazzana could contend for that distinction whenever he is promoted to make his MLB debut, but for now, DeLauter has as good a chance as anyone, provided he can stay healthy.
NEXT: Guardians Reliever Is Closing In On Key Step In Injury Recovery
