CLEVELAND – For the Cleveland Guardians, and for baseball fans eager to notice a new power threat emerge, the wait for Chase DeLauter may finally be nearing its conclude. The 24-year-traditional outfielder, once projected as a potential Rookie of the Year candidate, has endured a frustrating series of injuries that have delayed his major league debut, but all signs point to 2024 as the year he arrives. DeLauter represents a crucial piece in the Guardians’ quest to add consistent offensive firepower, particularly in the outfield, a necessitate that has been glaring in recent seasons.
The Guardians haven’t seen an outfielder hit 20 home runs in a season since Michael Brantley in 2014, and haven’t had one reach even 15 since Oscar Mercado in 2019. As MLB.com noted last year, the team’s primary outfielders combined for just 11 home runs in 1,691 plate appearances in 2023. DeLauter, when healthy, offers a different profile – a potential middle-of-the-order bat capable of changing the complexion of games.
DeLauter’s path to the majors hasn’t been conventional. A relative late bloomer physically, the 6-foot-3, 235-pounder didn’t attract significant attention as a high school player in West Virginia. He blossomed at James Madison University, becoming the first – and only – first-round pick in the school’s history when the Guardians selected him 16th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft. During his three seasons with the Dukes, he posted a remarkable .402 batting average, a .520 on-base percentage, and a .715 slugging percentage. He also excelled in the Cape Cod League in 2021, leading the league with nine home runs and a .589 slugging percentage.
A History of Setbacks
Though, DeLauter’s promising trajectory has been repeatedly interrupted by injuries. He initially broke his left foot while running the bases during his draft year, and the injury resurfaced after signing with the Guardians for $3.75 million. This led to surgery involving a bone graft to replace a screw, delaying his professional debut until June 2023. The setbacks continued. He suffered another broken foot in April 2024, and a right hamstring strain further limited his playing time to just 39 games that season. Last year brought more challenges, with core muscle surgery in March and a broken right hamate requiring surgery in July, limiting him to 44 games.
These injuries have understandably raised concerns about his long-term durability, but when DeLauter has been on the field, he’s demonstrated the offensive potential that made him a first-round pick. In 138 Minor League games, he’s batted .302 with a .384 on-base percentage, a .504 slugging percentage, and 20 home runs. He’s also shown well in two stints in the Arizona Fall League, hitting .313 with a .417 on-base percentage and six home runs in 35 games.
Unconventional Power and Plate Discipline
What sets DeLauter apart isn’t just his raw power, but his ability to control his swing and work the count. He possesses an unorthodox stroke, characterized by a “scissor kick” and an abbreviated follow-through, but his timing, bat speed, and strength allow him to consistently make hard contact to all fields. Fangraphs highlighted his impressive exit velocities, noting that his average exit velocity of 91.2 mph and maximum of 110.1 mph in Triple-A last season were nearly identical to those of All-Star catcher Will Smith.
DeLauter also demonstrates a keen eye at the plate, chasing pitches outside the strike zone just 17 percent of the time while maintaining a strong walk rate. During 34 games at Columbus (Triple-A) last season, he walked 22 times and struck out only 23 times. This plate discipline, combined with his ability to hit for both average and power, makes him a particularly dangerous hitter against both left-handed and right-handed pitching.
Defensive Considerations and Current Outlook
While DeLauter has shown the ability to play center field, and even did so in the postseason, his future likely lies in right field. He’s considered a solid defender at the corner positions, with a strong arm that generates fastball-like throws. He even pitched occasionally at James Madison and in the Cape League, showcasing his arm strength.
Guardians manager Stephen Vogt expressed his enthusiasm for DeLauter’s performance this spring. “Both of those were no-doubt home runs,” Vogt said, referring to recent spring training at-bats. “Chase has had a great spring. He’s hit the ball hard, had quality at-bats, played great defense, ran the bases well. … We’re really excited to watch Chase this year.”
DeLauter’s speed, once considered a potential 20-20 threat (20 home runs and 20 stolen bases), has diminished somewhat due to his foot injuries. He’s attempted only three stolen bases in the past two seasons, becoming more cautious on the basepaths.
What to Expect in 2024
The primary question surrounding Chase DeLauter isn’t his talent, but his health. If he can remain on the field, he has the potential to be a significant contributor to the Guardians’ offense, providing the power they’ve sorely lacked in the outfield. His ability to hit for average, gain on base, and drive the ball makes him a valuable addition to any lineup. The Guardians will likely monitor his workload carefully, prioritizing his long-term health while giving him opportunities to showcase his skills. The team is hoping DeLauter can finally establish himself as a key part of their future, bringing much-needed offensive punch to Cleveland.
The Guardians open the regular season on March 28th against the Oakland Athletics. DeLauter’s role and playing time will be closely watched throughout the early weeks of the season, providing a clear indication of his place in the team’s plans. Fans can find updated roster information and game schedules on the official Guardians website.
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