Ever since his explosive performance during Spring Training 2024, fans have been clamoring for outfielder Chase DeLauter to be called up to the majors.
Injuries have gotten in his way, particularly a troublesome foot, but his 129 wRC+ in 39 minor league games last year suggests he is not far from being ready.
The truth is that he could use a bit more seasoning at Triple-A because of one particular reason: he hasn’t been able to hit lefties yet.
To be more specific, prospect expert Keith Law of The Athletic has identified, in his Top 20 Guardians Prospects article, that DeLauter has yet to hit anything in the outer part of the zone, not with relevant power at least.
“[DeLauter], doesn’t hit anything on the outer third for any power at all, and in a small sample so far lefties have really crushed him, especially with breaking stuff. He’s going to have to make some adjustments to get him on time to the zone more consistently,” Law wrote.
The numbers, unfortunately, prove Law right.
In the 2023 minor league season, DeLauter’s OPS was 1.027 against right-handers and just .592 vs. lefties.
There was some marginal improvement in 2024 (.889 vs. RHP; .651 vs. LHP) but not enough to warrant a call-up.
We have all been clamoring for DeLauter to be called up, but the Guardians have been protecting him all this time, and rightfully so.
Law even predicted how major league left-handers pitchers can easily deal with DeLauter if he doesn’t adjust.
“I think major-league pitchers are going to attack that front hip with velocity up and in, which he can only hit on the ground, and then go soft away to exploit the swing.”
DeLauter is still very young at 23 years old.
He has time on his side.
He needs to start showing he can at least be competitive against southpaws if he wants a future in Cleveland, though.
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