Chase DeLauter, a promising outfielder for the Cleveland Guardians, has made a remarkable journey from a small-town high school in West Virginia to the precipice of a Major League Baseball (MLB) debut. His story is one of resilience, talent, and determination, marked by notable achievements and challenges along the way.
High School Career: A Star in the Making
Chase DeLauter attended Hedgesville High School in Martinsburg, West Virginia, where he excelled in multiple sports, including baseball, football, and basketball. In his senior year (2019), he delivered an exceptional performance:
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Batting Average: .606
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Home Runs: 8
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RBIs: 52
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Doubles: 21
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ERA (Pitching): 0.84 over 66 innings
These statistics earned him the title of Gatorade Player of the Year for West Virginia, highlighting his dual-threat capabilities as both a hitter and a pitcher.
College Career: Shifting Focus to Baseball
After high school, DeLauter enrolled at James Madison University (JMU), where he initially played both baseball and pitched. However, his bat quickly outshone his pitching, leading to a full-time focus on hitting. In his freshman year (2020), he batted .382 with 26 hits and 14 RBIs over 16 games before the season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He earned Freshman All-American honors from Collegiate Baseball Newspaper.
In the summer of 2020, he played in the Rockingham County Baseball League for the Broadway Bruins, where he posted a staggering .527 batting average with 18 home runs and 45 RBIs over 30 games. In the following season (2021), he continued to impress, slashing .386/.500/.723 with six home runs and 21 RBIs over 26 games.
Minor League Journey: Overcoming Injuries
DeLauter’s professional journey began when the Cleveland Guardians selected him as the 16th overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft. He quickly ascended through the minor league ranks, showcasing his power and plate discipline. In 2023, he played for the Lake County Captains and later for the Akron RubberDucks, where he demonstrated his potential as a future MLB outfielder.
However, his path was marred by injuries. In 2024, he suffered a broken foot, turf toe, and a hamstring strain, limiting him to just 39 games. In 2025, he underwent bilateral core muscle surgery in March and wrist surgery in July, sidelining him for significant portions of the season.
Stats and Performance
Despite the setbacks, DeLauter’s statistics reflect his potential:
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2025 Triple-A (Columbus):
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Batting Average: .278
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Home Runs: 5
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RBIs: 21
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Plate Appearances: 149
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On-Base Percentage: .383
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Slugging Percentage: .476
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These numbers underscore his ability to impact the game offensively, even with limited playing time.
Prospect Ranking
DeLauter’s performance has not gone unnoticed. He is currently ranked as the Cleveland Guardians’ second-best prospect and 54th overall in MLB. His combination of power, plate discipline, and defensive skills positions him as a key figure in the Guardians’ future plans.
Contract Status
As a first-round draft pick, DeLauter signed a standard rookie contract with the Cleveland Guardians, which includes a signing bonus and terms typical for a player of his draft position. Specific financial details are not publicly disclosed, but such contracts often include performance incentives and options for team control through the first six years of his MLB career.
MLB Debut: A Historic Moment
In a surprising move, the Cleveland Guardians added DeLauter to their Wild Card Series roster against the Detroit Tigers in October 2025, potentially setting him up for his MLB debut during the postseason—a rare feat for a player without prior regular-season experience. Manager Stephen Vogt praised DeLauter as the best available bat, noting his readiness after consistent workouts and batting practice.
Conclusion
Chase DeLauter‘s journey from a small-town high school in West Virginia to the cusp of an MLB debut is a testament to his talent, resilience, and determination. Despite facing significant injuries, he has remained focused on his goal, continually working to improve and contribute to his team’s success. As he steps onto the postseason stage, DeLauter embodies the spirit of perseverance and the promise of a bright future in Major League Baseball.
