How DeLauter's postseason debut could position him for big '26

CLEVELAND -- When the Guardians made the surprising move to add Chase DeLauter to their postseason roster this fall, when he had yet to play in a big league game, they were confident he could provide them a boost.

Though Cleveland’s playoff trip lasted just three games, that experience, in turn, could be something that provides DeLauter a boost in the long run.

DeLauter (the Guardians’ No. 2 prospect, No. 58 overall per MLB Pipeline) started Games 2 and 3 of the AL Wild Card Series against the Tigers, to become only the sixth player to make his MLB debut in the postseason. That’s great experience to have in his back pocket heading into 2026, when he will be under heavy consideration for Cleveland’s Opening Day roster.

“It was great to get his feet wet,” manager Stephen Vogt said at the Winter Meetings in Orlando, Fla., this month. “It was great for him to [learn], ‘All right, now I know what it smells like on the highest stage. I know what it looks like. I know what it feels like.’

“And so for him, having a full winter of wanting that and knowing what it looks like, knowing what it feels like, I think that could be a huge boost for him going into this year.”

And as we look toward the new year, it’s exciting to think about the impact DeLauter could have on the Guardians.

The Guardians have a long list of outfield options on their 40-man roster. But beyond All-Star Steven Kwan in left field, center and right field are open. DeLauter is set to receive reps at both spots during Spring Training, and for a club that struggled to gain production from those positions in 2025 (.574 OPS in center, .605 in right), he could help turn things around.

DeLauter has a unique blend of size, athleticism, power and plate discipline, and he has produced huge numbers in the Minor Leagues. Over 138 career games, he has a .302/.384/.504 slash line with 40 doubles, 20 home runs and 87 RBIs, with 70 walks compared to 80 strikeouts in 583 plate appearances.

DeLauter’s postseason provided a taste of what he can do.

DeLauter picked up an outfield assist from center in the fourth inning of Game 2 against Detroit, when he fired a 92.1 mph strike from center to throw out Zach McKinstry at third base. He logged his first postseason hit on a single in the fifth, and he hit a lineout to center field in the seventh that had a 110.8 mph exit velocity.

The playoffs are a pressure-packed environment as is, let alone for a guy who had no previous big league experience under his belt. But DeLauter showed he belonged.

“Making his debut in the postseason, obviously, it's unique,” Vogt said. “I think knowing that he can handle playing in the postseason, he's going to be able to handle playing in the regular season.”

DeLauter, of course, would have reached the Majors months before October, if not for tough injury luck. Health has been the only thing that has slowed down his developmental pathway.

Last season, DeLauter was limited to 42 games in the Minors after he underwent core muscle surgery in March and right wrist surgery for a hamate fracture in July. He played 39 games in 2024 while missing time with a fractured bone in his left foot, a right hamstring strain and a right big toe sprain.

To that end, the Guardians will naturally be mindful of DeLauter’s workload in camp. But provided he’s healthy, given his skill set, he appears to have a great opportunity to make the Opening Day roster.

And perhaps the next time he takes his position in the outfield at Progressive Field, DeLauter will be reminded of Oct. 1, 2025. He spoke that day of the warm reception he received from fans and how helpful it was for him when he debuted.

“It’s unbelievable,” DeLauter said after Game 2 against Detroit. “Such a surreal feeling, hearing my name, running out and hearing everybody kind of scream for me. It's a feeling every player kind of wishes for. It helps you feel like you belong.

“You feel the support right away. In some form, too, it calms you down on the field. You kind of feel like you should be there and should perform.”