Chase DeLauter’s first two weeks of the season could not have gone any better. Facing huge expectations, the Cleveland Guardians outfielder showed why he is considered one of the top hitting prospects in the game.
It started with two home runs on Opening Day against the Seattle Mariners and just kept going from there. Though his batting average has dipped from its lofty heights, and the home runs have come less frequently, DeLauter is well on his way to an outstanding rookie season.
Analyst Jason Benetti recently revealed the reason to be encouraged about DeLauter’s future, as his unique batting style allows him to flourish.
“The thing that I think is most intriguing that makes you feel best about him is his swing is so unorthodox and the pitches that he can get to is so unorthodox. … I think he really knows who he is in the batter’s box,” Benetti said.
"The thing I find most intriguing that makes me feel best about him is his swing is so unorthodox and the pitches he can get to is so unorthodox… He really knows who he is in the batter's box."
📞@jasonbenetti on Chase DeLauter🔥 pic.twitter.com/aiIfFqs9CC
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) April 10, 2026
DeLauter tied a major league record with four home runs in his first three games. He showed off that unique batting style with an opposite-field home run against the Mariners, which, according to Benetti, drew impressive attention from multiple pitchers around the league.
He also homered in the Guardians’ home opener against the Chicago Cubs. With five so far this season, DeLauter is tied for first in the majors with three other players, generating power from his left-handed stance with his back foot.
He still holds the home run lead despite not hitting one in his past five games. During the slump, he has just two hits in his past 14 at-bats, which has dropped his batting average from .346 to .275. That could have a lot to do with the frigid weather conditions the Guardians were facing during their recent homestand against the Chicago Cubs and Kansas City Royals.
At 6-foot-3, 235 pounds, DeLauter also has an advantage with his exceptional plate coverage, according to Benetti. It allows him to do damage on pitches that most other hitters can’t.
Now, he and the Guardians will go back on the road to face the Atlanta Braves. Interestingly, they are the only two teams that have not lost a series yet this season.
After that weekend set, Cleveland will visit the St. Louis Cardinals, with yet another group of MLB fans able to see DeLauter in person for the first time.
NEXT: Guardians' Weekend Series Will Have High Stakes
