Chase DeLauter has provided the Cleveland Guardians with the offensive boost they were hoping for when they gave the rookie outfielder a clear path to opening his first MLB season as a starter. He has responded by carrying the offense over the first two weeks, living up to all of the promise he showed as one of the organization’s top prospects.
Now, in his first 12 appearances, he has established himself as one of the best first-year players in the game. Not only did he make history by hitting four home runs in his first three games, but he has also solidified himself as a fan favorite in Cleveland with his walk-up song adding some more fun to the atmosphere at Progressive Field.
Encouragingly, betting markets believe that DeLauter can keep it going throughout the season, as he is now the favorite to win AL Rookie of the Year at FanDuel Sportsbook.
“Chase DeLauter is now the betting favorite to win American League Rookie of the Year on FanDuel at +175,” Ben Axelrod posted on X.
Chase DeLauter is now the betting favorite to win American League Rookie of the Year on FanDuel at +175.
— Ben Axelrod (@BenAxelrod) April 9, 2026
This was thought to be within the realm of possibility long before the season started, as DeLauter was projected to have an outstanding rookie season, as were Chicago White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami, Baltimore Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo, Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Kazuma Okamoto, Detroit Tigers infielder Kevin McGonigle, and Orioles outfielder Dylan Beavers.
McGonigle is now the second betting favorite at +350, followed by Murakami at +450. Despite a recent slump, with five home runs, 11 RBIs, and 1.008 OPS, DeLauter leads all American League rookies, and his .275 batting average is just a bit behind McGonigle’s .286 mark.
Interestingly, DeLauter may face competition for Rookie of the Year from one of his teammates. Starting pitcher Parker Messick is serving notice as one of the best in the AL in his first two starts. He has a 0.82 ERA with 11 strikeouts and seven hits allowed in his 11.0 innings, which includes six scoreless innings against the world champion Los Angeles Dodgers.
Messick is listed at +3500 to win the award, which would make him a more profitable wager than DeLauter at this point in time.
NEXT: Guardians Make Notable Move In Latest Power Rankings
