Chase DeLauter’s Words About October Say It All

With the Cleveland Guardians heading back to the playoffs, Chase DeLauter will have his second chance to take part in an MLB postseason. But this time is much different than the first.

Last year, DeLauter was promoted to make his MLB debut in the AL Wild Card round. The outfielder became the sixth player in history to play his first major league game in the postseason, but just the third following a non-shortened season.

This year, DeLauter has been with the Guardians since Opening Day, and he got honest about making the playoffs after working through an entire campaign.

“So special, so special. It seems like it’s becoming a tradition. So, to be a part of it, unbelievable all year long,” DeLauter said.

Cleveland #Guardians OF Chase DeLauter on making the playoffs. #GuardsBall pic.twitter.com/iIZrUv5NRy

— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) September 25, 2026

DeLauter got off to a historic start in 2026 with four home runs in his first three games. After hitting another in Cleveland’s home opener, his power waned for long stretches during the season.

Yet, he remained incredibly consistent at the plate overall and really took off after the All-Star Break, including a .363/.440/.538 slash line in August. Despite some injuries, he has been able to appear in 131 games, which is almost as many as he played in his three minor league seasons combined.

For the season, he leads the Guardians with a .287 batting average and an .813 OPS. He is second on the team with 140 hits, 15 home runs, and 65 RBIs.

DeLauter also has 11 stolen bases, and his 81 strikeouts in 487 at-bats is an impressive rate for a young left-handed hitter. Batting almost exclusively second or third in the order, he has thrived in that very important role.

He likely would have made his MLB regular-season debut last season, but his minor league campaign was limited by multiple injuries. However, with the Guardians looking for an offensive boost facing the Detroit Tigers in the first round of the playoffs, DeLauter was called up and played in two games of the best-of-3 series loss, going 1-for-6.

Now, with a full season of MLB experience behind him, DeLauter should be well-prepared for this postseason, which would begin in the ALDS if the Guardians hold on to first place in the AL Central over the final three days.