Guardians Rookie Chase DeLauter Explodes Onto the Scene

After a playoff debut, the 24-year-old outfielder is making history with a torrid start to the season.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 8:18pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting in bold colors depicting a baseball player in motion, representing the dynamic start to Chase DeLauter's MLB career.The explosive energy and raw talent of Guardians rookie Chase DeLauter is captured in a cubist-inspired illustration.Los Angeles Today

Cleveland Guardians rookie Chase DeLauter has burst onto the MLB scene, becoming just the sixth player ever to debut in the postseason before the regular season. DeLauter has already hit four home runs in his first three games, tying a historic mark, and is quickly becoming a centerpiece of the Guardians' lineup.

Why it matters

The Guardians' offense struggled mightily last season, ranking last in the American League in OPS. DeLauter's power and plate discipline provide a major boost, taking pressure off All-Stars like José Ramírez and Steven Kwan.

The details

DeLauter made his MLB debut in the Guardians' 2025 wild-card series, becoming just the sixth player ever to debut in the postseason. Despite a shaky start with a dropped fly ball, DeLauter showed poise and delivered a key throw to cut down a runner. Through the first six games of the 2026 season, DeLauter is the only Guardians player to hit a home run, launching four long balls to tie a historic mark.

  • DeLauter hit two home runs on Opening Day, including a blast off Mariners ace Logan Gilbert in his first career plate appearance.
  • By the sixth game of the season, DeLauter was the only Guardians player to hit a home run, prompting teammates to dub the team's celebratory helmet 'Chase's homer helmet'.
  • On Tuesday, DeLauter fouled a 97.6 mph fastball from Shohei Ohtani off his surgically-repaired left foot, but X-rays came back negative and he could return as soon as Friday.

The players

Chase DeLauter

A 24-year-old outfielder and top prospect in the Guardians' system who is off to a historic start to his MLB career, becoming just the sixth player ever to debut in the postseason before the regular season.

José Ramírez

A seven-time All-Star and the centerpiece of the Guardians' lineup, who is now hitting behind the red-hot DeLauter.

Steven Kwan

An outfielder who has played alongside DeLauter and seen his poise and confidence in big moments, even after an early error in his MLB debut.

Austin Hedges

A veteran catcher who has praised DeLauter's special talent, saying the rookie is 'just scratching the surface' of his potential.

Rhys Hoskins

A veteran slugger the Guardians signed this offseason to help boost their struggling offense, which has now been lifted by the emergence of DeLauter.

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What they’re saying

“Twelve years ago, I think everyone saw José Ramírez walk into a room and was like, 'That guy's got something.' Chase has something. He's got something very special … and we're not even scratching the surface of what this kid's capable of.”

— Austin Hedges, Veteran Catcher

“Just seeing his energy, it immediately told me, 'Oh, this kid's going to be just fine.' I don't know how I would react if I dropped my first fly ball ever in the big leagues in a playoff game, but he handled it so well, with grace.”

— Steven Kwan, Outfielder

“He's super hungry. Great start, but he knows that he's out for more.”

— Rhys Hoskins

What’s next

The Guardians will monitor DeLauter's status after he fouled a pitch off his surgically-repaired left foot, but he could return as soon as Friday's home opener against the Cubs.

The takeaway

DeLauter's historic start has provided a major boost to a Guardians offense that struggled mightily last season, and the 24-year-old rookie appears poised to be a centerpiece of Cleveland's lineup for years to come.