The Cleveland Guardians put a lot of faith in young players this season, and it has paid off in a third straight postseason berth. It is another example of how their development system is one of the best in the game.
But this year, in particular, it has worked out better than anyone could have imagined. The Guardians have three real contenders for AL Rookie of the Year, with starting pitcher Parker Messick, outfielder Chase DeLauter, and second baseman Travis Bazzana showing they are likely to be franchise fixtures for years to come.
Bleacher Report analyst Joel Reuter has revealed one defining stat from the Guardians’ successful regular season, showing that Messick, DeLauter and Bazzana have been among the most valuable first-year players in the majors.
“The Stat: 12.1 WAR from Parker Messick, Chase DeLauter and Travis Bazzana,” Reuter wrote. “Cheap, controllable homegrown talent is the lifeblood of the Cleveland organization, given their preference to steer clear of high-priced free-agent signings or blockbuster trades. That makes the performance of the rookie trio of Parker Messick, Chase DeLauter and Travis Bazzana one of the biggest reasons they are battling for a division title.”
Messick arrived during the pennant race last year and helped Cleveland rally for its second straight AL Central title. This season, he has been excellent from the very beginning, earning an All-Star nod and going on to post a 12-9 record with a 1.04 WHIP and 2.55 ERA that both rank sixth in the majors.
Most importantly, the Guardians have won 19 of the 31 games he has started, including a 1-0 victory against the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday. Cleveland has needed every one of those wins, as it holds a one-game lead over the Chicago White Sox in the division with three games remaining.
DeLauter made his debut in the AL Wild Card round last year and has been a consistent performer throughout his first full campaign. He leads the Guardians with a .287 batting average and an .813 OPS, and his 15 home runs and 65 RBIs each rank second.
Bazzana was promoted to make his MLB debut in late April. Despite some expected ups and downs, he has been spectacular when it matters most, posting 17 hits with six home runs and 15 RBIs in his 20 September games.
Now, entering the final series against the Kansas City Royals, the trio will try to help the Guardians wrap up the division and then go on a hopefully long playoff run.
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