The Arizona Fall League (AFL) is currently underway.
It’s doesn’t have the same level of difficulty that Triple-A or even Double-A boasts, but it represents a golden opportunity for prospects who, for one reason or another, didn’t see much time in the regular minor league season.
That description fits Cleveland Guardians future star Chase DeLauter perfectly.
The young outfielder and former first-round pick lost valuable development time to a foot fracture and a hamstring strain this year, but the Guardians decided to give him more reps in the AFL and so far, his performance is on par with his talent.
“Playing in just his sixth Fall League game, Chase DeLauter doubles to right in his first AB of the afternoon. The No. 2 #Guardians prospect entered today 6-for-20 (.300) with a homer, five walks and two strikeouts in his first five AFL contests,” prospects expert Sam Dykstra posted on X.
Playing in just his sixth Fall League game, Chase DeLauter doubles to right in his first AB of the afternoon.
The No. 2 #Guardians prospect entered today 6-for-20 (.300) with a homer, five walks and two strikeouts in his first five AFL contests.
— Sam Dykstra (@SamDykstraMiLB) October 26, 2024
Specialist will say that stats in the AFL aren’t as important as the fact prospect playing on it are staying active in a competitive environment.
DeLauter is just happy to be healthy and making up for the lost time.
If it wasn’t for the injuries he suffered this year, there is a very good chance he had played the postseason with Cleveland.
The organization badly needs some stability and upside in right field, and DeLauter is the man for the job.
He posted a .770 OPS in Double-A and a 1.147 mark in six contests in Triple-A.
He has contact, power, and knows the strike zone.
DeLauter doesn’t have the prettiest swing, but it’s highly effective and that’s all that matters.
If he can somehow avoid major injuries, he should be patrolling right field at Progressive Field no later than June.
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