Guardians call up No. 12 prospect Watson with DeLauter on IL

MILWAUKEE -- Kahlil Watson was shocked when the phone rang Tuesday night.

The 23-year-old immediately called his mother. Then his father. Then his girlfriend.

After years of development, position changes and proving himself at every stop, Watson finally received the news every prospect dreams about: He was headed to the Major Leagues.

"It's been a long journey," Watson said. "It's not done. It's just the beginning."

The Guardians selected Watson from Triple-A Columbus on Wednesday, giving the organization's No. 12 prospect his first Major League opportunity. The move came after Cleveland placed rookie outfielder Chase DeLauter on the 10-day injured list with a right rib cage fracture prior to a 9-4 loss to Milwaukee at American Family Field.

Watson's arrival comes at a time when the Guardians are searching for offensive production amid a growing list of injuries.

José Ramírez recently underwent surgery to repair a fractured left hamate bone. Angel Martínez is expected to miss four to six weeks with a fractured left foot. Now DeLauter joins them on the injured list after crashing into the right-field wall Saturday against Detroit.

Manager Stephen Vogt said the decision to place DeLauter on the IL was made with both the injury and the club's current roster situation in mind.

"Obviously, he was trending in the right direction," Vogt said. "But with where we are with our roster right now, we just felt it was best. Let's give it 10 days so he can be 100 percent on the other end and be ready to go."

Vogt said the organization hopes DeLauter's stay will be minimal, though he acknowledged recovery timelines can change.

For Watson, the promotion marks the latest step in a winding professional journey.

The former 2021 first-round pick entered professional baseball as an infielder before transitioning to the outfield, a move he believes unlocked another level of development.

"Once I got into the outfield, it was more like my mind just released," Watson said. "Everything started to work out because I wasn't doing that much thinking."

The athletic left-handed hitter enjoyed the strongest season of his professional career last year, hitting .250 with 16 home runs, 17 stolen bases and a .813 OPS while reaching Triple-A for the first time.

Vogt credited Watson's growth both on and off the field.

"Kahlil has probably grown more than anybody that we've had in our organization over the last few years," Vogt said. "Meeting him in Spring Training of 2024 and seeing the growth to now -- he's way more open, way more talkative. What a great kid, and we're excited that he's making his debut."

"When I touch that field, I am an aggressive player," Watson said. "I like to do everything that I can do -- all five tools. I'm coming to play the game hard."

The Guardians expect Watson to see most of his opportunities in right field, though Vogt noted he has the versatility to play all three outfield spots.

For now, Cleveland is simply eager to see what one of its most talented young players can do on the biggest stage.

"It's just the beginning," Watson said.