The Cleveland Guardians have some really good prospects in their farm.
Perhaps the best of them all is outfielder Chase DeLauter.
A 2022 first-round draft pick, DeLauter saw some time in Double-A in 2023 and returned positive results, with a .364/.464/.409 line in six games.
Before that, he had successful stints in the Complex League and High-A.
The kid might have an awkward swing, but he sure makes it work.
It’s hard to argue with the results.
He has extended his dominance to spring training, where has faced all kinds of competition: from journeymen to major leaguers.
“#Guardians 22yr old OF prospect Chase DeLauter went (1-2) today at the plate vs the Rockies. DeLauter is now (8-17) on the spring hitting .471 with a pair of HR’s and a 1.408 OPS,” Guardians Prospective tweeted.
#Guardians 22yr old OF prospect Chase DeLauter went (1-2) today at the plate vs the Rockies. DeLauter is now (8-17) on the spring hitting .471 with a pair of HR's and a 1.408 OPS.
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) March 15, 2024
The sample size is obviously very small, but it’s hard to deny that DeLauter is swinging the bat very well.
The power is particularly impressive.
Chances are DeLauter will open the season in the minor leagues, likely at Double-A.
After all, six Double-A games aren’t nearly enough to declare him a star.
But there is a very solid chance we see DeLauter in the big leagues at some point in 2024, provided he keeps up this form in the high minors for an extended period of time.
He has the potential to develop into an everyday outfielder as early as 2024.
His presence is probably the reason why the Guards didn’t bring in a star or a reliable power source to the outfield during the offseason.
He is not far from being ready to take over.
NEXT: Guardians Receive Concerning Trevor Stephan Injury News