Highly Ranked Guardians Prospect Moving Up In Organization
The primary need for this Cleveland Guardians lineup is an outfield bat who can hit for power. The organization has tried a couple of different free agency signings such as Josh Bell and other trades, but it looks like the answer to this question will come from what Cleveland does best.
That's draft players and promote them from within the organization.
One player who is exciting fans with his offensive ability and promise on defense is 21-year-old Chase DeLauter.
Cleveland selected DeLauter out of James Madson University 16th overall in the 2022 draft and he immediately became the hopeful successor to a corner outfield spot once reached the Big Leagues. DeLauter did hit a couple of roadblocks due to injuries but he's finally making strides in his development.
He was assigned to Cleveland's High-A affiliate since getting healthy and is now showing fans, the organization, and baseball why he was selected so high.
DeLauter has played in 42 games for the Lake County Captains. He owns a .366 batting average and an OPS of .952 which includes four home runs and 18 RBI. It was really just a matter of time before he got called up to the next level.
The power-hitter was recently promoted to joining the Akron Rubber Ducks (Double-A) for their last series of the season against Altoona and will likely start at this level in 2024.
Chase DeLauter hits a double on July 28, 2023. Photo Credit to Lake County Captains Instagram @lccaptains
DeLauter is currently Cleveland's fourth-ranked prospect and 85th prospect overall according to MLB.com. His current ETA is still the 2025 season. There is so much natural talent here that the Guardians could unlock making him a staple of their future moving forward.
