Chase DeLauter is set to make his Major League debut as the Cleveland Guardians take on a critical Game 2 in the American League Wild Card Series. The 23-year-old outfielder received an enthusiastic welcome at Progressive Field when he was introduced before Game 1, marking a significant moment in his career. DeLauter, ranked as the Guardians’ No. 2 prospect and No. 54 overall according to MLB Pipeline, will hit seventh in the batting order while playing center field, a position where he has also received considerable training.
He joins an exclusive group of players, as only five have previously made their MLB debut in the postseason. The most recent instance was Ryan Weathers for the San Diego Padres in 2020. DeLauter’s path to this moment hasn’t been without challenges; after undergoing surgery for a right hamate fracture in July, he missed the remainder of the regular season. However, the urgency of the Guardians’ situation—a win-or-go-home scenario—has propelled him into the lineup.
Known for his power-hitting capabilities and strong plate discipline, DeLauter has shown promise in the minors, posting a .302 batting average along with 20 home runs and 87 RBIs over just 138 games. His journey began when he was drafted 16th overall from James Madison University in 2022, and the Guardians’ coaching staff, including outfield coach J.T. Maguire, has been working closely with him to prepare for this big league moment.
The opportunity to step into the spotlight during the postseason reflects not just DeLauter’s potential but also the Guardians’ trust in his abilities as they strive for success in the playoff hunt. Cleveland fans are eager to witness DeLauter’s talent firsthand, providing a hopeful narrative for both the player and the team in this pivotal moment.