If there is a player in the Cleveland Guardians’ minor league system who can measure up to Travis Bazzana talent-wise, it’s definitely outfielder Chase DeLauter.
The young slugger is brimming with potential, with a beautiful swing from the left side of the plate.
However, injuries have stunted his development.
He had to battle foot issues last year, and he needed sports hernia surgery to repair the bilateral core muscle in early March.
At the time, he was deemed out for 8-12 weeks.
He is back to full health now, working his way back to game shape in the Arizona Complex League.
He played his first game earlier this week and went 0-for-2.
On Saturday, however, he logged his first hit of his rehab assignment.
It was a loud one.
“Chase DeLauter went 1-1 today with a 109 MPH single in Arizona in a rehab start in RF with a walk,” Guardians reporter Justin Lada posted on X.
Chase DeLauter went 1-1 today with a 109 MPH single in Arizona in a rehab start in RF with a walk.
Tyler Naquin had a better second outing pitching. He only threw fastballs it appears, 7 of them, 90-95. 1 IP, 1K, clean elsewhere.
— Justin L. (jlbaseball on bluesky) (@JL_Baseball) May 10, 2025
The former 16th overall pick in 2022 has worked hard to be in tip-top condition.
It’s not his fault he is injury-prone, yet some folks have already written him off at 23 years old.
This is a potential All-Star in the making, and you just don’t give up on that kind of talent so easily.
Not only did DeLauter post above-average offensive numbers at every stop he has had in the minors since being drafted, but his lowest wRC+ was 121 in 30 Double-A games last year.
After a few games in the Complex League, the Guardians will likely bump him to Triple-A when he is up to speed.
From there, he will have to earn a place in Cleveland, and he has the talent to do it this year.
NEXT: Guardians Top Prospect Stays Hot In Clutch
