The Cleveland Guardians had high hopes for top outfield prospect Chase DeLauter this season.
The idea was for him to be fully healthy in spring training and battle for the right field gig.
That didn’t happen, though: the Guards introduced him very slowly to spring workouts because he spent a good chunk of the 2024 campaign on the shelf, and before he could take part in any games, he needed core muscle surgery on March 4.
Just like that, DeLauter was out for months.
Guardians Prospective gives us a bit more information about his rehab, and it’s fair to say he has made quite a bit of progress.
“Cleveland #Guardians 23yr old OF prospect Chase DeLauter (Core Muscle Surgery) has resumed throwing, hitting and running activities. DeLauter could progress to live BP this week out at the organizations Goodyear Development Complex,” he wrote on X.
Cleveland #Guardians 23yr old OF prospect Chase DeLauter (Core Muscle Surgery) has resumed throwing, hitting and running activities.
DeLauter could progress to live BP this week out at the organizations Goodyear Development Complex.
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) April 21, 2025
The fact that DeLauter can already hit, run, and field is an amazing development.
As you can imagine, however, it’s all with a low level of intensity at this point, but he will be gradually increasing and testing his body.
Taking live batting practice is a huge step, and he could do it this week.
Even while dealing with a foot fracture and other ailments last year, the sweet-swinging outfielder finished with eight homers and a 132 wRC+ in just 39 games between Double-A Akron and Triple-A Columbus.
The prospects universe is impressed with DeLauter’s swing and easy power, and if health allows him to be on the field soon, he could become a household name for regular fans too.
NEXT: Guardians Young Slugger Is Heating Up After Cold Stretch
