There’s an exciting crop of young talent coming up, not just in the Cleveland Guardians’ organization, but across MLB. This influx of exciting players will make the 2026 American League Rookie of the Year race a competitive one for all 162 games.
Last week, MLB.com’s team of prospect analysts named their early candidate for Rookie of the Year, but somehow omitted Cleveland Guardians’ budding star Chase DeLauter.
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Yes, there’s concern with DeLauter’s injury history, but let’s take a look at why the 24-year-old should definitely be in the early conversation to be the best first-year player in the American League next season.
Again, DeLauter has missed plenty of time since being drafted due to numerous injuries. That said, when he has been on the field, the left-handed hitter has recorded incredible stats.
In DeLauter’s 138 minor league games at all levels, he has a .302/.384/.504 slash line, including 20 home runs and 49 doubles. In 34 games at Triple-A last season, he registered a .859 OPS.
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Clearly, DeLauter has the talent to be the best player in his rookie class.
Cleveland Guardians center fielder Chase DeLauter (34) jogs back to the dugout during the first inning of Game 2 of the American League wild card series at Progressive Field, Oct. 1, 2025, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Not to put too much pressure on DeLauter before he plays in his first official MLB regular-season game, but he has the potential to raise Cleveland’s ceiling next season.
It’s not uncommon for a player to earn Rookie of the Year recognition if they help lead a team to the playoffs, even if their numbers aren’t as good as another rookie’s. Sometimes, it’s all about the narrative.
If DeLauter helps the Guardians dig themselves out from being one of the worst offenses in baseball, he could get more credit simply based on his value.
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Sometimes, the winner of Rookie of the Year comes down to the player who has more at-bats and has made and impact on his team the longest. That could work in DeLauter’s favor in 2026.
The Guardians clearly showed they’re ready for DeLauter to be in the outfield equation when through him in the starting lineup of a playoff game last October. There’s no reason to think that DeLauter won’t be in Cleveland’s Opening Day lineup next spring.
Compare that with other candidates, such as Detroit Tigers’ Kevin McGonigle or Athletics’ Samuel Basallo, who may not be promoted until the summer months, and DeLauter could have the upper hand when the season begins.