CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Cleveland Guardians' rookie sensation, Chase DeLauter, made an unforgettable entrance on opening day, electrifying fans with a solo home run against Seattle's Logan Gilbert. Right out of the gate, DeLauter showed why he's one to watch, sending a 3-2 slider soaring over the right field wall, just out of reach of a leaping Luke Raley. That early blast set the tone, giving the Guardians a quick 1-0 lead.
At 24, DeLauter is the latest in a long line of right fielders for Cleveland, becoming the 15th since 2012. But with a swing like that, he’s aiming to make a lasting impression. The Guardians themselves hinted at big things, stirring up some early chatter about his potential for AL Rookie of the Year.
Joining an exclusive club, DeLauter is now one of only five Cleveland hitters to homer in their first regular season at-bat. He stands alongside names like Jhonkensy Noel and Kevin Kouzmanoff in team history.
DeLauter first showcased his talent during last year’s wild card series against the Tigers, and he wasn't the only rookie making waves on Thursday. Cardinals' JJ Weatherholt, White Sox's Munetaka Murakami, and Mets' Carson Benge all launched their first big league homers, marking an exciting day for the newcomers.
As if one homer wasn't enough, DeLauter added another to his debut performance, smashing a solo shot off Cooper Criswell in the ninth inning. This feat places him among an elite group of just seven players in MLB history to homer twice in their regular season debut. It's safe to say, DeLauter has arrived in style.