The Cleveland Guardians didn’t just dip into their farm system last October - they dove in headfirst. In a move that turned heads across the league, they called up top outfield prospect Chase DeLauter for his Major League debut… in the Wild Card series.
That’s right - DeLauter became just the sixth player in MLB history to debut in the postseason. Talk about being thrown into the fire.
And while his stat line - 1-for-6 with a walk over two games - won’t land him in Cooperstown, it wasn’t about the numbers. It was about the moment.
The Guardians needed a spark, and DeLauter showed up looking like he belonged. Now, with the 2026 season on deck and the offense still searching for answers, the 24-year-old is positioned to be more than just a late-season call-up - he’s in the mix to be a full-time starter.
Manager Stephen Vogt certainly thinks so. During a recent appearance on MLB Network, Vogt didn’t hold back in his praise for the young outfielder. You could hear the conviction in his voice when he recalled DeLauter’s demeanor heading into that high-stakes debut.
“It was really cool to see Chase when he came to the field, when he got to Progressive,” Vogt said. “To see the look in his eye, it was not big-eyed, it was not intimidated. It was, ‘100% I’m ready for this challenge.’”
That’s a big statement coming from a manager who knows what playoff pressure feels like. Vogt admitted it wasn’t the most comfortable decision to throw a rookie into the postseason spotlight, but he was confident DeLauter would meet the moment. And he did.
That kind of poise doesn’t go unnoticed - especially in a clubhouse that’s been starving for offensive production. Last season, the Guardians’ lineup struggled to find any rhythm.
Angel Martinez, Nolan Jones, Jhonkensy Noel, and Lane Thomas all had tough years at the plate. The numbers weren’t just down - they were dragging the entire offense with them.
So now, the Guardians are ready to lean into their youth movement. And DeLauter is front and center in that plan.
He’s long been viewed as a potential star - a five-tool player with real upside. Injuries have slowed his rise at times, but when he’s been on the field, he’s shown exactly why the organization has been so high on him. Now healthy, and with a taste of big-league action under his belt, DeLauter is poised to take the next step.
And he won’t be alone. George Valera, another high-upside young outfielder, is also expected to get his shot. And frankly, even if both DeLauter and Valera hit some bumps early on, the floor is still likely higher than what Cleveland got from its outfielders last season.
What makes this situation even more compelling is how Vogt is handling it. He’s not just penciling in DeLauter’s name because the team needs a body.
He’s backing him with confidence - the kind of belief that can make a difference in a young player’s development. Vogt knows the Guardians need someone to step up, and he’s betting on DeLauter to be that guy.
If all goes according to plan, we could be looking at DeLauter patrolling center field on Opening Day - not just as a fill-in, but as a legitimate Rookie of the Year candidate. The tools are there.
The opportunity is there. And now, with his manager firmly in his corner, the stage is set.
Cleveland’s lineup might have been one of the quietest in baseball last season, but if DeLauter delivers on his promise, it won’t stay that way for long.