The Cleveland Guardians defied the odds in many ways to make the playoffs last season. Their offense was among the worst in MLB, and that usually does not lead to a postseason appearance.
Looking for a boost in the AL Wild Card series, the Guardians took the very rare step of promoting Chase DeLauter to their playoff roster, even though he had yet to make his major league debut. It did not pay off as they hoped, however, as the outfielder went 1-for-6 at the plate and the Guardians lost the series in three games.
Now, with that experience in hand, and a long list of injuries behind him, DeLauter is expected to be with the Guardians from Opening Day. One projection has the 24-year-old playing right field and batting second in the lineup.
With that in mind, insider Zack Meisel said he believes the young Guardians player could be the key to unlocking the offense in 2026, based on his potential.
“But DeLauter may offer the most upside for 2026, especially since he got a taste of October, the sort of stimulant that can spur any player. He simply needs to stay healthy. DeLauter has appeared in only 138 games since joining the Guardians organization in 2022. In addition to the hamate fracture and the core muscle surgery, he’s missed time because of a hamstring strain, a fractured bone in his left foot, a sprained right big toe and foot surgery,” Meisel wrote.
A first-round pick in the MLB Draft, it has taken DeLauter a little longer than expected to reach this moment, thanks to that lengthy injury history. In just 34 games at Triple-A last year, he batted .278 with an OPS of .859 and five home runs.
If he can carry over that type of production into the majors, he could emerge as a legitimate candidate for AL Rookie of the Year. Manager Stephen Vogt has already expressed confidence that DeLauter will be up to the task after watching the way he carried himself when he was promoted last season.
After failing to make any significant acquisition to bolster the lineup this offseason, the Guardians will be looking at several younger players to generate the necessary improvement from within. Infielder Travis Bazzana could make his MLB debut after facing his own injury setbacks since he was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft.
As a two-time defending division champion, counting on prospects may be a questionable approach, but the Guardians do seem to find a way to make things work.
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