In many ways, spring training stats are just noise. For example, since there isn’t an injury involved, no one is particularly worried about Cleveland Guardians Opening Day starter Tanner Bibee boasting a 6.65 Cactus League ERA at the moment, not with that elite 0/19 BB/K ratio.
However, some of these stats do matter. That’s what MLB.com’s David Adler tried to determine in this week’s article: he wanted to identify spring stats that are, for one reason or another, worthy of attention.
He wrote about Guardians outfielder Chase DeLauter, who homered twice on Monday:
Chase DeLauter smacks his second home run of the game ‼️ pic.twitter.com/9yU6a4CCpT
— MLB (@MLB) March 24, 2026
The up-and-coming slugger continued his torrid spring production. He is batting .429 with a .500 OBP, a .657 slugging percentage, five walks, and just four strikeouts. Adler, of course, was incredibly impressed.
“Last October, DeLauter became one of the rare players to make his MLB debut in the postseason. Now, entering his first full regular season, the 24-year-old looks more than ready to take over right field for the Guardians. Like (Wyatt) Langford, DeLauter’s combination of hard hitting and high contact this spring is impeccable. MLB’s No. 46 overall prospect has a 93.6 mph average exit velocity and 63% hard-hit rate with a swing-and-miss rate of just under 15% and more strikeouts than walks,” Adler explained.
Why do DeLauter’s numbers matter? Simply because it’s a snapshot of what he can do when injuries actually let him play. Also, they matter because they are an accurate representation of his skills as a hitter: high contact, keen eye at the plate, and an explosive, powerful swing.
Barring any surprises, the Guardians will give DeLauter plenty of reps in right field and the designated hitter spot. He has a chance to prove he can consistently hit against both lefties and righties. Boasting elite hand-eye coordination, smarts, and loft in his swing, he is a threat to hit .300 and have at least 20 home runs if he stays healthy.
Throughout his career, the former first-round pick has suffered wrist, core muscle, and lower-body ailments. Some of them have required surgery. However, that doesn’t matter at this point: he’s healthy and peaking at the right time, dominating spring competition from start to finish.
Cleveland has a potential All-Star in DeLauter, and he is a big part of what could be a special lineup.
NEXT: Guardians’ Outfield Drawing Major Buzz Ahead Of Season
