Going back to when the Cleveland Guardians drafted Chase DeLauter in the first round of the 2022 MLB Draft, the organization dreamed of his potential to be a key contributor in October and of his impressive ascent through the farm system.
Now, for truly the first time, DeLauter is getting an opportunity to do just that, and he’s done nothing but impress during his rookie season and throughout the 2026 postseason.
DeLauter has been one of Cleveland’s best players since the playoffs started. In 10 games, he owns a .297/.395/.432 slash line. Those numbers include a six-game hit streak that started against the Chicago White Sox and ended against the Tampa Bay Rays.
DeLauter’s .827 OPS is the third best on the team, only trailing Jose Ramirez (.987) and Patrick Bailey (.844).
The rookie is even making Guardians franchise history with what he’s done in the batter’s box over the last few weeks.
Heading into Game 6 of the ALCS, DeLauter has racked up 11 hits, which is tied with Brayan Rocchio (2024) for the most hits by a Cleveland rookie in a single postseason. Asdrubal Cabrera (2007) is also high up on that list, too.
The Guardians organization has relied on young talent to help them in the playoffs for decades, and DeLauter has been one of the team’s best at doing just that.
While the 11 hits alone are impressive, attention also must be given to how DeLauter is generating these hits. Opposing pitchers have had a great game plan against him, but the rookie has put some of the best at-bats by a player in October; he’s earned each and every one of his base hits.
For example, DeLauter has only struck out three times all postseason, two of which came in Game 3 of the ALCS.
Another instance of DeLauter’s incredible at-bats came in Game 3 against Tampa Bay’s Nick Martinez. Cleveland’s rookie worked a nine-pitch at-bat against the savvy veteran, ending with an RBI single for the Guardians.
DeLauter talked about his plate approach earlier in the ALCS and compared each at-bat to a chess match between the hitter and pitcher. On top of that, the rookie said his key plan is to trust his eyes and let his hands do the work.
This strategy has clearly worked wonders for DeLauter earlier in his postseason career.
No matter what happens in 2026, DeLauter’s playoff performance in just his rookie season should have Cleveland confident that it has a potential future superstar for years to come.