Rookies took center stage as the 2026 MLB season kicked off, making their mark with some impressive performances. Carson Benge, Munetaka Murakami, and JJ Wetherholt each launched a homer in their big league debuts, setting the tone for an exciting season ahead.
But it was Chase DeLauter who truly stole the spotlight. The Cleveland Guardians' outfielder didn't just join the homer parade; he led it with two blasts in the Guardians' 6-4 victory over the Seattle Mariners.
This rare feat places him in elite company, alongside a current Boston Red Sox star, as noted by MLB researcher Sarah Langs. DeLauter became just the seventh player in history to hit two home runs in his first regular-season game.
The last player to achieve this was Trevor Story, who went yard twice for the Rockies back in 2016, and then continued his power surge with five more homers in his next five games.
DeLauter is no stranger to the Guardians' uniform, having appeared in two postseason games last year. However, Thursday marked his official regular-season debut, and he wasted no time making an impact. The 24-year-old started with a bang, sending a two-run shot over the fence off Logan Gilbert in the first inning, followed by a solo homer off Cooper Criswell in the ninth.
Despite facing challenges, including injuries that slowed his journey to the majors, DeLauter showcased his potential with an impressive .859 OPS in the minors last season. Now, he looks ready to be a key player for the defending American League Central champions as they embark on their 2026 campaign.