Chase Delauter Could Swing MLB Playoffs for Guardians or Tigers

The Cleveland Guardians made a bold, unexpected move before their Wild Card Series against the Detroit Tigers. They added top prospect Chase DeLauter to their postseason roster.

DeLauter, just 23, hasn’t played a single major league game yet. Now, he might make his debut on baseball’s biggest stage.

This decision shows Cleveland wants more offensive depth at a crucial time. DeLauter suddenly becomes a fascinating wild card in the series.

Chase DeLauter’s Path to the Postseason

Cleveland picked DeLauter 16th overall in the 2022 amateur draft. He quickly became one of the Guardians’ most promising young players.

This past season at Triple-A Columbus, he hit .278 with five home runs and 21 RBIs in just 34 games. His steady bat and sharp eye at the plate made him stand out—when he could stay on the field, that is.

Overcoming a Season of Injuries

Staying healthy has been DeLauter’s biggest challenge so far. His 2024 season was a rollercoaster:

• He had core muscle surgery in March after a spring training injury.
• He returned in late May, but then got sidelined again in mid-July.
• In July, he needed surgery to fix a fractured hamate bone in his right wrist.

All these setbacks cost him valuable playing time. Still, the Guardians saw enough in his brief performances to roll the dice on him now.

An Extremely Rare Debut Opportunity

If DeLauter steps onto the field in this Wild Card Series, he’ll join a tiny group of players who’ve debuted in the postseason. It’s only happened a handful of times lately.

The last time was back in 2020, when Shane McClanahan, Ryan Weathers, and Alex Kiriloff made their first appearances during October baseball. Not exactly a common path, right?

Why the Guardians Made the Call

Manager Stephen Vogt said he wanted to balance the postseason roster. Cleveland chose to carry 11 pitchers instead of the usual 12, opening a spot for another bat.

Vogt felt DeLauter was the best hitter available for that extra spot. The young lefty brings promise at the plate and can play both center and right field.

What DeLauter Brings to Cleveland’s Lineup

With DeLauter, Cleveland adds more bench depth and a left-handed bat for big moments. He’s got a few things going for him:

• Gap-to-gap power and patience at the plate.
• He can play multiple outfield spots.
• He’s shown poise under pressure in the minors.

That could matter against Detroit’s pitching, especially if the Guardians want to play the matchup game late.

Detroit is Well-Aware of the Threat

Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said Detroit’s staff has watched DeLauter closely for a while. The Guardians and Tigers’ minor league teams have faced off plenty, so the Tigers know what he’s capable of with the bat.

That history makes his possible debut even more interesting. Detroit has scouted him, but never seen him in a major league game.

From AFL Plans to Playoff Reality

Originally, DeLauter was supposed to play in the Arizona Fall League. That would’ve been another chance for him to develop his game.

Instead, he’s suddenly heading for the playoffs—a wild turn that few rookies ever experience for their first taste of big league action.

A Potential Storyline to Watch

For fans and analysts alike, Chase DeLauter brings a storyline full of intrigue. Will he step up as the rare rookie debuting in October?

Maybe his bat gives Cleveland the spark they need against a tough Tigers team. Nobody knows yet, but one thing’s obvious: the Guardians are betting on talent, not just experience.

 
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