For the Cleveland Guardians, Chase DeLauter isn’t just another prospect. He’s the kind of player who could change the shape of their outfield and lineup this season—if he can stay on the field. That’s always been the question.

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

It took less than a week of spring training games for fans to be reminded of DeLauter’s injury risks. On February 25, he was a late scratch from a game with “lower body soreness.” By the next day, it was called a hamstring issue. Three days later, he returned to the lineup as a DH and hit a double and a home run. On paper, it’s a minor blip. But with DeLauter, who missed extended time last season following sports hernia surgery, every little thing seems like a bigger deal.

Chase DeLauter was a late scratch from today’s Guardians lineup. Lower body soreness from heavy on-field activity to open camp.

He was set to hit second and play right field. Petey Halpin starting there in his place.

— Tim Stebbins (@tim_stebbins) February 25, 2026

Chase DeLauter’s Health is Vital to the Guardians
DeLauter’s Talent—and His Injury Risks
The Guardians took DeLauter in the first round in 2022 out of James Madison University, hoping that his unusual swing and power to all fields would translate. Whenever he takes the field—whether in college, the minors, or even his surprise postseason debut last fall—he hits. Over three pro seasons, DeLauter owns a .302/.384/.504 slash line. In his six October at-bats, he held his own at the plate.

The problem is, the once highly-touted prospect just hasn’t played much. Since turning pro, DeLauter has only appeared in 138 games. His highest total in a single season, college or pro, is 57. DeLauter has suffered two left foot fractures, a right toe sprain, undergone sports hernia surgery, and had right wrist surgery—all in the span of just three years.

Through college and the pros Chase Delauter has missed more games then he has played it is a concern that can’t be ignored especially as it’s often a different injury not a chronic issue just a guy whose body can’t seem to hold up

— Jeffmlbdraft (@jeffMLBdraft) March 4, 2025

How the Guardians Plan to Keep DeLauter on the Field

That’s why the Guardians probably plan to manage DeLauter the way the Twins managed Byron Buxton—another outfielder with big talent but a frustrating injury history. Buxton averaged just 65 games a season from 2018 to 2023, but once he finally broke the 100-game mark in 2024 and 2025, he became one of baseball’s best center fielders. The Guardians would love to see DeLauter follow a similar path.

FunnellVision – Chase De Lauter

My latest piece, where I examine Chase DeLauter’s injury history and try to figure out if he really is injury-prone.#FunnellVisionhttps://t.co/FWsG70VQus pic.twitter.com/y5GLSe6HlI

— Dave L Funnell (@sportz_nutt51) March 3, 2026

DeLauter knows what’s at stake. “I’d really like to show that I can play a full season and keep myself out there,” he said before spring training. Cleveland will do what it takes to make that happen: possibly a platoon in right field, occasional DH days, whatever keeps him healthy. Steamer projects 107 games, a .251 average, 12 homers, and 47 RBI. Given his history, the Guardians would take that in a heartbeat as something to build on.

Praying for a healthy Chase DeLauter.

While he hasn’t played more than 57 G in a season, his elite plate discipline, easy juice from the left side, & low Whiff% highlight his well-rounded profile. 51.9% H-H% in 34 AAA G w/ a 107 MPH 90th% EV in 25′.

Look at where this lands… pic.twitter.com/oBOMrGz5Ue

— Running From The OPS (@OPS_BASEBALL) January 15, 2026

The Last Word

The upside is clear. DeLauter has the arm for right field—he pitched in college and touched 92 mph—and he’s serviceable defensively. But his real value is at the dish. Slot him behind Steven Kwan, with José Ramírez and Kyle Manzardo to follow, and suddenly the top of the Guardians’ order looks much tougher. If Bo Naylor can keep hitting like he did at the end of last season, and Rhys Hoskins can be a steady bat, Cleveland’s offense could finally have the depth and punch it’s lacked.

For a team trying to keep pace in an improved American League Central, Chase DeLauter’s health is right at the center of things for the Guardians. It could be what gets them back to the postseason for a third straight year.

 

Main Photo Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports