Guardians Announce Chase DeLauter News Before Dodgers Game

In Cleveland’s opening series against the Seattle Mariners to begin the MLB season, DeLauter tallied six hits, five RBIs and a league-leading four home runs. His 18 total bases in that series also lead baseball, as he is at or near the very top of almost every statistical category so far.

Incase it had not been a good enough week for the 24-year-old left-handed slugger, it was announced on Monday that DeLauter had received American League Player of the Week honors for his performance against Seattle.

"Chase DePlayer of the Week," the Guardians wrote on X. "We’ll be hearing a lot about this kid in 2026."

In 138 minor league games, DeLauter hit .302 with 20 home runs, 87 RBIs and a .888 OPS. He has hit at every level he has played at, as health has been the only question mark in his professional baseball career.

The Guardians are set to begin a three-game series on Monday against the Los Angeles Dodgers on the road, which will be their final stop before heading back to Progressive Field for their home opener series against the Chicago Cubs.

While DeLauter will not continue this home run hitting pace over 162 games, there is every reason to believe he can remain one of the most productive hitters in Cleveland's lineup, especially hitting in front of Ramirez. The two-hole has been a problem for Cleveland in recent seasons, as the team combined for a .197 batting average and .594 OPS out of that spot last season, both of which ranked dead last in MLB.

Now having a player who can get on base in front of Ramirez and lighten some of the offensive burden he faces, the Guardians are in a much better position to compete in an American League Central division with DeLauter on the roster.