The Cleveland Guardians are arguably the best team in baseball in building almost solely from within. They rely on homegrown prospects to take over when a position opens up, and it has resulted in regular playoff appearances over the past decade.
That process could reach new heights in the near future if two recent first-round draft picks fulfill their potential. Playing alongside another one of the organization’s success stories, they could give the Guardians one of the best outfields in the game.
Analyst Cade Cracas has revealed an encouraging outlook for the Guardians’ future, with All-Star Steven Kwan being joined by Chase DeLauter and Jace LaViolette.
“An outfield anchored by a veteran Steven Kwan, a prime Chase DeLauter, and a rising Jace LaViolette could legitimately become one of the best things to happen to Cleveland baseball. This could be a legitimate starting group in the future,” Cracas posted on X.
An outfield anchored by a veteran Steven Kwan, a prime Chase DeLauter, and a rising Jace LaViolette could legitimately become one of the best things to happen to Cleveland baseball.
This could be a legitimate starting group in the future…#Guardians
— Cade Cracas (@CracasCade) March 23, 2026
Kwan, who is about to enter his fifth MLB season after he was a fifth-round pick in the 2018 draft, has emerged as Cleveland’s second-best player behind homegrown superstar third baseman Jose Ramirez. The left fielder has made the AL All-Star team the past two years and has won the Gold Glove in each of his four previous campaigns.
DeLauter, a first-round pick in 2022, is about to begin his first full MLB season after becoming one of just six players in history to make his big league debut in a postseason game. He was dominant during spring training and looks more than ready to contend for AL Rookie of the Year this season.
LaViolette was Cleveland’s first-round pick in last year’s draft, and he is expected to play his first full professional season in the minor leagues. He has impressive power potential, which is something that’s lacking in Cleveland’s current lineup.
Of course, a lot has to go right for this to come to fruition. Kwan can become a free agent after the 2027 season, and he could be traded before then. DeLauter has dealt with injuries dating to his time in college, and he must prove he can stay on the field during the grind of a 162-game season. LaViolette fell in the draft due to a hand injury and a drop in performance, so he must show he can recapture his best form.
But if it all works out, the Guardians could have a formidable trio as the foundation of its lineup for years to come.
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