'A Lot To Be Excited About' With Chase DeLauter, Guardians News
Spring Training always allows fans to see the next wave of talent, even if they won't be on the Opening Day roster. That's exactly where Cleveland Guardians outfield prospect Chase DeLauter falls
Stephen Vogt broke down what he's seen from DeLauter so far in camp and needless to say that the Guardians manager is thrilled about how he's played.
"Yeah, it's been fun to watch," said Vogt. "Obviously, Chase is a presence in the box. Watching him run the outfield too, and run the bases, there's a lot to be excited about with Chase. It's just been fun getting to watch him play."
With all that being said, the goal for DeLauter in 2023 isn't necessarily to be playing with the major league team. There are some smaller steps he has to take first.
"I like what I see, there's a lot of promise there. I think what's most important is that Chase has a healthy season. That's what we want for him and the future is bright for him. He'll impact our roster at some point, when that comes, I don't know. But I've really enjoyed getting to know him and watching him and there's a lot to be excited about with Chase," said Vogt.
Feb 29, 2024; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Cleveland Guardians right fielder Chase DeLauter (6) grounds out in the third inning against the Los Angeles Angels during a spring training game at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
© Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
DeLauter has currently played in four games for the Guardians and received seven at-bats. In that small sample size, he's recorded four hits, has an OPS of 1.768, and drilled a home run that went 478 feet.
The 2022 First Round pick spent the majority of the 2023 season with the Lake County Captains (A+) and finished the last few weeks of the season with the Akron Rubber Ducks (Double-A). There is definitely more development needed and, as Vogt said, getting him through a healthy season, before being a part of the big league club.
However, at some point, that time will come. If the Guardians continue to get underwhelming outfield performance it could be here sooner than later.
