Chase DeLauter Named AL Rookie of the Week

Cleveland Guardians outfielder makes big league debut with impressive opening week performance.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 9:25pm

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting the dynamic motion of a baseball player's swing, hitting, and celebration, rendered in the cubist style with the Guardians' team colors.A cubist interpretation of Chase DeLauter's powerful start to his MLB career, deconstructing the Guardians rookie's swing and home run celebrations.Cleveland Today

Chase DeLauter, a top prospect for the Cleveland Guardians, was named the American League Rookie of the Week after his impressive debut in the first four games of the 2026 MLB season. DeLauter hit .353 with 4 home runs and 5 RBIs, becoming the first Cleveland rookie to win the award in the season's opening week since Albert Belle in 1995.

Why it matters

DeLauter's strong start is an exciting development for the Guardians, who have been high on the young outfielder since drafting him 1st overall in 2022. Despite injuries slowing his path to the majors, DeLauter's power and production in his first games could provide a much-needed boost to Cleveland's lineup as they look to contend in the AL Central.

The details

In his first four MLB games, DeLauter hit 6-for-17 (.353) with 4 home runs and 5 RBIs. He homered in his first and last at-bats on Opening Day, becoming one of only 5 Guardians players to homer in their first career at-bat. DeLauter is also the only Cleveland player to hit 2 homers in his MLB debut.

  • DeLauter made his MLB debut in Games 2 and 3 of the 2025 wild card series against Detroit.
  • DeLauter was named AL Rookie of the Week on Monday, March 30, 2026.
  • DeLauter homered in his first and last at-bats on Opening Day, March 27, 2026.

The players

Chase DeLauter

A top outfield prospect for the Cleveland Guardians, who was drafted 1st overall in 2022 but has dealt with injuries early in his career.

Albert Belle

A former Guardians player who was the last Cleveland rookie to win the AL Rookie of the Week award in the season's opening week, back in 1995.

Steven Kwan

The last Guardians player to win the AL Rookie of the Week award, which he did in September 2022.

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What’s next

The Guardians will look to continue monitoring DeLauter's playing time and health as he adjusts to the major league level, hoping he can stay on the field and build on his impressive debut.

The takeaway

Chase DeLauter's power-hitting performance in his first four MLB games has Cleveland fans buzzing about the team's top prospect, who could provide a much-needed boost to the Guardians' lineup if he can stay healthy and build on this strong start to his big league career.