Rookie Chase DeLauter Provides Guardians with Much-Needed Power

DeLauter's early home run surge a welcome sight for Cleveland after years of lackluster production in right field

Mar. 30, 2026 at 9:38pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the motion and power of a baseball player's swing, rendered in a bold, abstract style using overlapping planes of navy, green, and orange.A cubist interpretation of rookie slugger Chase DeLauter's early power surge, capturing the raw energy and athleticism of his breakout start for the Cleveland Guardians.Los Angeles Today

Rookie outfielder Chase DeLauter has burst onto the scene for the Cleveland Guardians, hitting four home runs in his first four games to start the 2026 season. The 24-year-old, selected 16th overall in the 2022 draft, is the third player since 1900 to accomplish that feat, joining Joe Cunningham and Trevor Story. DeLauter's power display is a stark contrast to the revolving door of players the Guardians have trotted out in right field in recent seasons, who combined for just 15 home runs in 2025.

Why it matters

DeLauter's early power surge provides a much-needed boost to the Guardians' lineup, which has lacked a consistent power threat in right field for years. His performance has already earned him American League Player of the Week honors, the first Guardians rookie to receive the award since Steven Kwan in 2022.

The details

In the Guardians' opening four-game series against the Mariners, DeLauter homered twice in the opener, once in the second game, and once more in the third game. His dramatic two-run homer in the 10th inning on March 28 propelled the Guardians to a 6-5 win. DeLauter's hot start is in stark contrast to the production the Guardians have received from right fielders in recent seasons, with Nolan Jones, CJ Kayfus, Will Brennan, and Jhonkensy Noel combining for just 15 home runs in 2025.

  • DeLauter hit three home runs in his first two career regular-season games.
  • DeLauter was named American League Player of the Week on March 30.
  • The Guardians began a three-game series with the Dodgers in Los Angeles on March 30.
  • The Guardians' home opener against the Cubs on April 3 is sold out.

The players

Chase DeLauter

A 24-year-old rookie outfielder for the Cleveland Guardians, selected 16th overall in the 2022 MLB draft. He has hit four home runs in his first four games to start the 2026 season.

Nolan Jones

A Guardians outfielder who played in 130 games in 2025, 101 of them in right field, and hit 5 home runs.

CJ Kayfus

A Guardians outfielder who played in 44 games in 2025, 29 of them in right field, and hit 4 home runs.

Will Brennan

A Guardians outfielder who played in 6 games in 2025 and did not hit any home runs.

Jhonkensy Noel

A Guardians outfielder who played in 60 games in right field in 2025 and hit 6 home runs in 69 total games, while striking out 52 times and batting .162.

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What they’re saying

“It's special, especially after his first five at bats. I mean, that shows his maturity right there. He had a tough night up into that point, and, obviously, facing one of the best closers in the league, if not the best closer in the league.”

— Stephen Vogt, Guardians Catcher

“Yeah, absolutely. It's something that's hard to focus on right now. I'm just focused on tomorrow, making sure I'm available tomorrow night. It's definitely something I'll look back on. But man, it's a cool start.”

— Chase DeLauter

What’s next

The Guardians will continue their three-game series against the Dodgers in Los Angeles on March 31 and April 1 before returning home to face the Cubs in their sold-out home opener on April 3.

The takeaway

Chase DeLauter's early power surge has provided a much-needed boost to the Guardians' lineup, which has struggled to find consistent production from the right field position in recent seasons. His performance has already earned him national recognition, and the Guardians will look to him to anchor their offense as they aim to contend in the AL Central.