Chase DeLauter’s 2025 season didn’t exactly go according to plan - but it still ended in a way most players only dream about. After battling through a frustrating run of injuries, the Cleveland Guardians outfielder made his Major League debut on one of baseball’s biggest stages: the postseason.
That’s right - DeLauter’s first taste of the big leagues came during the AL Wild Card series against the Detroit Tigers. A rare debut scenario, and one that speaks volumes about the Guardians’ belief in his talent.
Now, heading into 2026, DeLauter isn’t just healthy - he’s projected to be in Cleveland’s Opening Day lineup, and the expectations are sky-high. He’s already being mentioned as a legitimate AL Rookie of the Year candidate.
It’s no surprise, then, that DeLauter was recently named a “bounce-back” candidate for 2026. And when you look at what he’s been through since being drafted 16th overall in 2022, the label fits.
Injuries have been the story of DeLauter’s young career so far - and not just the typical bumps and bruises. We’re talking about a laundry list that includes multiple left foot injuries, a sprained big toe on his right foot, a right hamstring strain, a sports hernia, and even a hamate fracture.
That’s limited him to just 138 regular-season games across three seasons. But here’s the thing: most of those injuries have been freak incidents, not chronic red flags.
And that’s important, because it means the Guardians - and DeLauter himself - can still look ahead with optimism.
When DeLauter was finally healthy last season, he showed exactly why Cleveland remains so high on him. In 34 games at Triple-A Columbus, he slashed .278/.383/.476 with five home runs in 126 at-bats - solid production that hinted at his potential when he’s on the field.
That late-season surge earned him a spot on the playoff roster, where he went 1-for-6 in limited action. But again, the context matters: this wasn’t just a reward for a hot streak.
The Guardians trusted him enough to throw him into a playoff series for his first MLB experience. That doesn’t happen by accident.
DeLauter’s offensive profile is what really sets him apart. He’s one of just a handful of ranked prospects with both 60-grade hit and power tools - a rare combo that gives him the potential to be a true impact bat in the middle of the order. The Guardians are banking on that upside as they look to boost their offense from within.
And they’re not stopping with DeLauter. Cleveland is leaning heavily on a wave of young talent heading into 2026.
Alongside DeLauter, rookies Travis Bazzana, George Valera, and C.J. Kayfus are all expected to take on bigger roles.
It’s a bold strategy, and not without its skeptics, but it also reflects a growing confidence in the organization’s player development pipeline.
Manager Stephen Vogt is all-in on the youth movement. He’s made it clear he believes in the group’s ability to contribute right away - and if that happens, the Guardians could be one of the more intriguing teams in the American League this year.
With spring training just around the corner, we’ll soon get a clearer picture of how the pieces fit together. For DeLauter, it’s a chance to finally show what he can do over a full season. If he stays healthy, the tools are there for a breakout - and maybe even a run at some hardware.
After a career start filled with setbacks, Chase DeLauter is ready to flip the script. The Guardians are betting big that 2026 is the year he does just that.