The national conversation about Cleveland’s best young players has understandably centered on Travis Bazzana since his call-up last week. But while everyone has been watching Bazzana take his first steps in the big leagues, Chase DeLauter has been quietly putting together one of the better rookie offensive seasons in the American League.
The numbers through 112 at bats in 2026 tell a story that deserves a lot more attention than it has been receiving.
“DeLauter’s current rankings amongst all American League rookies. 1) OPS .946 1) SLG .554 1) XBH 15 1) BB/K 1.214 1) SO% 10.8% 2) AVG .304 2) OBP .392 2) Hits 34 2) 2B 8 3) HR 6 3) RBI 21 3) BB 17 4) Runs 15,” Guardians Perspective wrote.
DeLauter's current rankings amongst all American League rookies.
1) OPS .946
1) SLG .554
1) XBH 15
1) BB/K 1.214
1) SO% 10.8%
2) AVG .304
2) OBP .392
2) Hits 34
2) 2B 8
3) HR 6
3) RBI 21
3) BB 17
4) Runs 15 https://t.co/Wm4GXMPFRR— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) May 3, 2026
DeLauter is slashing .304/.392/.554 with 6 home runs, 21 RBI, and a .946 OPS. His OPS+ of 162 means he has been 62 percent better than the average hitter in baseball this season, a number that would stand out on any roster in baseball regardless of experience level. For a 24-year-old still carrying full rookie status through 2026, it is a remarkable early-career statement.
The power profile that former GM Jim Bowden recently described as extending from foul pole to foul pole is showing up in every meaningful offensive category. The .554 slugging percentage reflects genuine over-the-fence power that goes all directions. The .392 on-base percentage shows a hitter who is not giving at bats away and is working counts the way a middle-of-the-order producer needs to. And the team-high 21 RBI reflect a player who has been delivering when Cleveland needs runs most, which has been an ongoing organizational challenge all season.
DeLauter’s most recent home run came on Sunday against Oakland, a solo shot to left field in the fifth inning that briefly tied the game at 1-1. It was his sixth of the season and his first since April 3rd against the Cubs.
DeLauter is a complete player and the only thing standing between him and sustained greatness is staying healthy. The health piece has held up through the first month-plus of the season, and DeLauter has rewarded the Guardians’ patience with production that is landing him among the elite offensive performers in the rookie class nationally.
The Bazzana arrival has been the big story. The DeLauter production has been the quiet one. Both are real, and Cleveland fans should be paying attention to both.
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