Guardians' DeLauter Belts 2 Homers in Spring Training Tuneup

Top prospect Chase DeLauter crushes 835 feet of home runs in 7-0 win over D-backs

Mar. 24, 2026 at 5:48am

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Chase DeLauter, the Cleveland Guardians' top prospect, had a standout performance in the team's spring training game against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Monday night. The 24-year-old outfielder belted a pair of home runs that traveled a combined 835 feet, showcasing his impressive power and potential ahead of the 2026 regular season.

Why it matters

DeLauter's strong spring training performance is a promising sign for the Guardians, who are looking to the young slugger to be a key part of their lineup this season. After dealing with injuries the past few years, DeLauter appears primed to make an impact at the big league level and potentially contend for American League Rookie of the Year honors.

The details

DeLauter hit a 448-foot home run to straightaway center field in the first inning off Diamondbacks starter Merrill Kelly, and then followed that up with a 387-foot shot to right field in the fifth inning against reliever Jonathan Loáisiga. In total, the two homers traveled a Statcast-projected 835 feet. DeLauter also added a walk in the Guardians' 7-0 victory.

  • DeLauter hit the two home runs during the Guardians' spring training game against the Diamondbacks on Monday, March 24, 2026.

The players

Chase DeLauter

A 24-year-old outfielder who is ranked as the Guardians' No. 2 prospect and No. 46 overall prospect in MLB, according to MLB Pipeline. DeLauter was selected 16th overall by the Guardians in the 2022 MLB Draft.

Stephen Vogt

The manager of the Cleveland Guardians.

Slade Cecconi

The Guardians' starting pitcher who allowed one hit and two walks over four scoreless innings in the game.

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What they’re saying

“Both of those were no-doubt home runs. 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.”

— Stephen Vogt, Manager, Cleveland Guardians

“That guy is so good, it's insane. You don't see a lot of guys take balls to straightaway center. A 3-1 curveball to straightaway center, he sat on it. You don't see that among the best among the best. It's really exciting to watch what he's doing at the plate.”

— Slade Cecconi, Starting Pitcher, Cleveland Guardians

What’s next

DeLauter will look to carry his strong spring training performance into the 2026 regular season, where he will aim to establish himself as a key part of the Guardians' lineup and potentially contend for American League Rookie of the Year honors.

The takeaway

Chase DeLauter's impressive power display in the Guardians' spring training game against the Diamondbacks is a promising sign for the team and its fans, as they look to the young slugger to be a driving force in their lineup this season and beyond.