There aren’t too many future 30-homer hitters in the Cleveland Guardians’ farm system.
Former 2022 first-round pick Chase DeLauter is certainly one of them.
No one can predict the future, of course, but DeLauter’s short and compact swing is geared for pull power and generates incredible bat speed.
He could have been in the majors by now had he enjoyed a normal spring, but he needed core muscle surgery and is playing his first few rehab games in the Arizona Complex League these days.
He participated in his fourth game on Wednesday and hit his first official home run of 2025.
The Guardians hope it’s the first of many.
“Cleveland #Guardians 23yr old OF prospect Chase DeLauter with a solo HR to right center field in the 4th inning tonight vs the Royals in the Arizona Complex League,” Guardians Prospective posted on X.
Cleveland #Guardians 23yr old OF prospect Chase DeLauter with a solo HR to right center field in the 4th inning tonight vs the Royals in the Arizona Complex League.#GuardsBall
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) May 15, 2025
He also walked in the game.
DeLauter, who slugged .500 with a 132 wRC+ last year between the Complex League, Double-A, and Triple-A, is currently hitting .375/.500/.750 in his four games in 2025.
His rehab process is expected to be slow: the Guardians won’t rush him to the bigs or even to Triple-A unless he looks completely ready for it and has no limitations whatsoever.
He is trending towards that status, though, and is looking good against lesser competition.
Expect Cleveland to increase the level of competition he will be facing by moving his rehab to Double-A or Triple-A relatively soon.
He will then spend some time at that level, shaking off the rust and making a case for a call-up to the big league team, where the squad is still looking for a right fielder who claims the everyday gig as his.
NEXT: Travis Bazzana Leaves Minor League Game With Injury
