The Cleveland Guardians have a budding star in their ranks, and he’s ready to make an impact.
Chase DeLauter made MLB history by becoming just the sixth prospect to make his MLB debut in the playoffs.
And while the sample size was limited, it was still encouraging.
Obviously, that also means he’s a strong candidate to not only make the roster next season but also be an everyday starter right out of the gate.
At least, that’s what Tim Stebbins of MLB.com feels:
“This is an obvious one, but all eyes will be on DeLauter next spring. He will be in the mix for a spot on the Guardians’ Opening Day roster, and health-permitting, the biggest question could be whether he fits more in center field or a corner outfield spot. Tough injury luck has limited DeLauter (Cleveland’s first-round pick in 2022) to 138 career Minor League games. He missed the final two and a half months of the Triple-A season this year due to a right hamate fracture that required surgery. But his talent has never been in question, and it’s why the Guardians were confident in giving him his first taste of the big leagues in the postseason, when they added him to their roster for the AL Wild Card Series against the Tigers,” Stebbins wrote.
The fact that the Guardians even considered having him on the field in the playoffs speaks volumes about the way they truly felt about him.
His talent is undeniable, and his physical tools make him look like a man among toddlers.
He has the prototype to be a dominant slugger at the next level, and he’s succeeded at every level of baseball he’s played.
Of course, there will be an adjustment period, and all rookies have to go through some growing pains and a learning curve, but he looks ready.
Injuries will always be a concern with him, as he’s dealt with multiple ailments throughout the course of his young career.
Even so, with this team in desperate need of offense and help in the outfield, he might be the biggest and most obvious reinforcement they could get right now.
Banking all their hopes in a rookie might not be the wisest call, but DeLauter is clearly special, and they need to give him a chance.
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