Guardians' Chase DeLauter is 2nd player in MLB history to start career this way

The rookie outfielder has hit 4 home runs in his first 3 games, matching a feat only previously accomplished by Trevor Story.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 10:11am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Chase DeLauter, a rookie outfielder for the Cleveland Guardians, has made a historic start to his MLB career. In his first 3 regular season games, DeLauter has hit 4 home runs, becoming only the second player in league history to accomplish that feat, after Trevor Story did it for the Colorado Rockies in 2016. DeLauter's latest homer came in the 10th inning of a one-run win over the Seattle Mariners on Saturday night.

Why it matters

DeLauter's incredible start has quickly made him one of the most talked-about young players in baseball. His power display has drawn comparisons to all-time greats like Barry Bonds and Albert Pujols, and has elevated expectations for the Guardians' season. This level of production from a rookie is extremely rare and has fans and analysts alike eager to see if DeLauter can sustain this torrid pace.

The details

In Saturday's game against the Mariners, DeLauter hit a key two-run home run in the top of the 10th inning to give the Guardians a lead they would not relinquish. The pitch he hit for the homer was described as one that "wasn't even a strike" against a top-5 reliever, showcasing DeLauter's elite bat speed and power.

  • DeLauter has now played 3 regular season games for the Guardians.
  • He hit his 4th home run of the season on March 29, 2026.
  • Trevor Story previously held the record, hitting 6 home runs in his first 4 MLB games in 2016.

The players

Chase DeLauter

A rookie outfielder for the Cleveland Guardians who has hit 4 home runs in his first 3 MLB games, tying a league record.

Trevor Story

The Colorado Rockies shortstop who previously held the record, hitting 6 home runs in his first 4 MLB games in 2016.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Chase 'Barry Bonds + Albert Pujols combined' DeLauter is not real. He literally just flicked a ball out the opposite way on a pitch that wasn't even a strike against a Top 5 reliever in the game”

— AT, Baseball Analyst

What’s next

DeLauter and the Guardians will be featured on Sunday Night Baseball on March 30, 2026, giving a national audience their first chance to see the rookie phenom in action.

The takeaway

Chase DeLauter's historic start to his MLB career has quickly made him one of the most exciting young players in the game. His power display has drawn comparisons to all-time greats, and has the Guardians and their fans buzzing about the potential of this rookie sensation.