Chase DeLauter Launches into the Big Leagues with a Home Run
SEATTLE (AP) – Cleveland Guardians rookie outfielder Chase DeLauter made an unforgettable first impression on Thursday, launching a home run in his very first regular-season at-bat. The highly-touted prospect, who previously tasted the postseason in the 2024 AL Wild Card Series, connected on a full-count slider from Seattle Mariners starter Logan Gilbert, sending the ball soaring 358 feet to right field.
The 24-year-old DeLauter etched his name into Guardians history, becoming only the fifth player in the franchise’s 126-year history to achieve this feat. He is the first Guardians player to accomplish this since Jhonkensy Noel on June 26, 2024. This incredible start to his career has fans buzzing about the potential of this young talent.
A Dream Come True
Just a day before making the opening day roster, DeLauter shared with The Associated Press how “awesome” it felt. His stellar performance during spring training, where he batted .452 with three home runs and nine RBIs, solidified his position with the team. “I mean, just thrilled to be around the guys,” DeLauter said. “Thrilled to be available. Really excited to just play some meaningful baseball again.”
Postseason Experience Fuels Confidence
DeLauter credits his experience in two postseason games last year with helping him feel comfortable and prepared for the majors. This allowed him to focus on maintaining peak physical condition. Guardians manager Stephen Vogt echoed this sentiment, believing DeLauter’s prior exposure to high-stakes baseball eased his transition.
“Chase is a special player,” Vogt stated. “We know everybody who first gets to the big leagues, there’s going to be a learning curve. It’s going to be a process. And understanding how to get your body ready to play every day in the big leagues. But, Chase had a phenomenal spring. And, he’s going to be right there hitting in the two hole.”
From Draft Pick to Rising Star
Selected 16th overall in the 2022 amateur draft, DeLauter showcased his talent in 34 games at Triple-A Columbus in 2025, batting .278 with five home runs and 21 RBIs. While a call-up seemed inevitable, injuries unfortunately sidelined him for much of the season. Now, fully healthy and brimming with confidence, DeLauter is ready to make a significant impact on the Guardians’ lineup.
Learn more about MLB at: AP News MLB
Andrew Destin, The Associated Press
