In MLB, talented young players are worth their weight in gold. They are usually affordable, and they are at the top of their physical abilities. They might lack experience, but they are brimming with energy.
Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report recently went through every MLB team’s most talented young player, setting the threshold at 25 years old or younger. The Cleveland Guardians have several up-and-coming stars in that age range, but one of them had to stand out above the rest, and it was outfielder Chase DeLauter.
“Injuries limited Chase DeLauter to 138 games over three full seasons in the minors, but he made his MLB debut during the 2025 postseason and broke camp with a spot on Cleveland’s Opening Day roster. His 3.5 WAR trailed only Parker Messick (6.3) and Steven Kwan (5.3) for a Guardians team that is playing in the ALCS,” Reuter wrote.
DeLauter is one of the main reasons why the Guardians have advanced so deep into the postseason. Not only did he have a brilliant regular season, but he has also been excellent in October.
Carrying a heavy bag in the form of an injury-prone label, DeLauter was able to play 133 games this year in the regular season, plus all seven postseason tilts, too. He did visit the injured list in June with a rib problem, but he mostly managed to stay in one piece, and that allowed the world to witness the full extent of his offensive potential.
DeLauter had a brilliant 131 OPS+, leading the team, and a rock-solid .287/.363/.457 line with 49 extra-base hits, including 16 round-trippers, and 3.5 WAR.
In October, the right fielder is hitting a robust .346/.452/.538 with a homer, five runs, four RBI, two doubles, and a 176 wRC+. He is one of the hottest hitters in Cleveland’s lineup, and his sweet but explosive left-handed swing has even caused matchup issues for the Tampa Bay Rays.
In Tuesday’s Game 2 loss, the Rays brought a left-handed pitcher to face him, Ian Seymour, and DeLauter responded with an RBI double that produced the only run of the game for the Guardians. He is actually a better hitter against southpaws and has no platoon issues, making him extremely dangerous against everyone.
The 25-year-old DeLauter can become one of the league’s brightest stars in 2027.
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