Now that the World Series is over and the MLB offseason has officially begun, the focus will soon turn to the postseason awards for each league. The Cleveland Guardians will have candidates for at least a couple of the major honors.
Outfielder Chase DeLauter is one of their main contenders. In his first full MLB season, he established himself as one of the best young hitters in the game.
According to MLB.com insider Tim Stebbins, DeLauter could win a big award, as he is expected to garner votes for AL Rookie of the Year and a Silver Slugger distinction.
“DeLauter, an All-MLB Team finalist, could garner some Rookie of the Year votes and be in the AL Silver Slugger Award mix. In 133 games, the 25-year-old logged a .287/.363/.457 slash line with 30 doubles, 16 home runs, 67 RBIs and 60 walks with 82 strikeouts. DeLauter became the second Cleveland rookie to finish in the top five in the AL in batting average, joining Shoeless Joe Jackson (.408 in 1911),” Stebbins wrote.
Rookie of the Year, known as the Jackie Robinson Award, is determined by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. Voting takes place at the end of the regular season, with two BBWAA members per team as part of the process. Three AL finalists will be announced on Monday, with the winner revealed on Nov. 9.
The Silver Sluggers, which were established in 1980 to recognize the best offensive players at each position, are voted on by MLB managers and coaches. There are four voters per team (manager and three coaches), and they cannot vote for players on their own club. Six AL outfield finalists will be announced next Thursday, with the three winners revealed on No. 17.
Interestingly, DeLauter will be facing competition for Rookie of the Year from pitching teammate Parker Messick. Trying to become Cleveland’s fifth winner in history, and first since catcher Sandy Alomar Jr. in 1990, they are likely to lose out to Detroit Tigers infielder Kevin McGonigle, who has odds of 96 percent on the Kalshi prediction market.
DeLauter has a much better chance of being named a Silver Slugger honoree. Among American League outfielders, his batting average ranked third, and his OPS of .820 was fourth. He was 10th in RBIs, 11th with 142 hits, and 18th in home runs.
He was limited to 133 games by multiple injuries, including a fractured rib. Yet that was a professional high after never playing more than 57 games in his three minor league seasons.
Based on his excellent debut campaign, DeLauter could wind up as a contender for AL MVP at some point in his hopefully long career.
NEXT: The Guardians’ Biggest Flaw Was Exposed In The ALCS
