CLEVELAND — Injuries delayed Guardians outfield prospect Chase DeLauter‘s Major League debut multiple times, so since breaking camp with the big league club this spring he has made up for lost time.
DeLauter crushed four home runs in his first three MLB regular-season games, joining Trevor Story as the only players to ever accomplish that feat.
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Of course, DeLauter’s unofficial MLB debut came during the playoffs last year, when the Guardians showed enough faith to throw him into the lineup against the Detroit Tigers in the Wild Card Series. It was such a whirlwind that the gravity of what had just happened didn’t really hit him until his walk-up song played on a playlist while he was driving back to West Virginia.
DeLauter then made the club this spring and put on a power display in Seattle. He did foul a ball off his foot in Los Angeles and is day-to-day, but his rookie season is off to a scorching hot start.
With that in mind, here’s a ranking of the top 10 rookie seasons in Guardians franchise history, a list DeLauter hopes to join.
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Erik Sabrowski (62) pitches to the Seattle Mariners during the seventh inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Erik Sabrowski (62) pitches to the Seattle Mariners during the seventh inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians right fielder Chase DeLauter (24) scores a run against the Seattle Mariners during the seventh inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Erik Sabrowski (62) pitches to the Seattle Mariners during the seventh inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners designated hitter Dominic Canzone (8) celebrates in the dugout after hitting his second home run of the game against the Cleveland Guardians during the seventh inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians second baseman Brayan Rocchio (4) scores a run against the Seattle Mariners during the seventh inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians right fielder Chase DeLauter (24) scores a run against the Seattle Mariners during the seventh inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians right fielder Chase DeLauter (24) scores a run against the Seattle Mariners during the seventh inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians second baseman Brayan Rocchio (4) hits a single against the Seattle Mariners during the seventh inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Gabe Speier (55) pitches to the Cleveland Guardians during the seventh inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners left fielder Randy Arozarena (56) runs the bases after hitting a double against the Cleveland Guardians during the sixth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians second baseman Brayan Rocchio (4) hits a single against the Seattle Mariners during the seventh inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians second baseman Brayan Rocchio (4) scores a run against the Seattle Mariners during the seventh inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Connor Brogdon (75) pitches to the Seattle Mariners during the sixth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners left fielder Randy Arozarena (56) leads off second base during the sixth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Connor Brogdon (75) pitches to the Seattle Mariners during the sixth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Jose A. Ferrer (45) pitches to the Cleveland Guardians during the sixth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Logan Gilbert (36) in the dugout after leaving the game during the sixth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners right fielder Luke Raley (20) celebrates in the dugout after hitting a home run against the Cleveland Guardians during the fifth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners third baseman Brendan Donovan (33) runs the bases after hitting a double against the Cleveland Guardians during the fifth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners right fielder Luke Raley (20) runs the bases after hitting a home run against the Cleveland Guardians during the fifth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians center fielder Daniel Schneemann (10) scores a run against the Seattle Mariners during the fifth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians second baseman Brayan Rocchio (4) runs the bases after hitting a 2-RBI double against the Seattle Mariners during the fifth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians first baseman Rhys Hoskins (8) scores a run against the Seattle Mariners during the fifth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians second baseman Brayan Rocchio (4) hits a 2-RBI double against the Seattle Mariners during the fifth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians first baseman Rhys Hoskins (8) hits a single against the Seattle Mariners during the fifth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians second baseman Brayan Rocchio (4) hits a 2-RBI double against the Seattle Mariners during the fifth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians right fielder Chase DeLauter (24) runs the bases after hitting a home run against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners third baseman Brendan Donovan (33) runs the bases after hitting a home run against the Cleveland Guardians during the first inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians right fielder Chase DeLauter (24) runs the bases after hitting a home run against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Tanner Bibee (28) pitches to the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Tanner Bibee (28) pitches to the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners third baseman Brendan Donovan (33) celebrates in the dugout after hitting a home run against the Cleveland Guardians during the first inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians right fielder Chase DeLauter (24) runs the bases after hitting a home run against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners third baseman Brendan Donovan (33) hits a home run against the Cleveland Guardians during the first inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) throws the ball to first base during the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians right fielder Chase DeLauter (24) and third baseman Jose Ramirez (11) celebrate after DeLauter hit a home run against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Logan Gilbert (36) pitches to the Cleveland Guardians during the first inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; A United States Air Force C-17 flys over the stadium before the game between the Seattle Mariners and the Cleveland Guardians at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; The 2025 A.L West Championship banner is revealed before the game between the Seattle Mariners and the Cleveland Guardians at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; The Seattle Mariners during batting practice before the game against the Cleveland Guardians at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; View of T-Mobile Park before the game between the Seattle Mariners and the Cleveland Guardians at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians open 2026 MLB season at Seattle Mariners
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; MLB Opening Day logo on the first base before the game between the Seattle Mariners and the Cleveland Guardians at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
Honorable mention: Chris Chambliss, 1971
Chris Chambliss is one of four Guardians players to win Rookie of the Year, doing so in 1971. But it was a so-so year in the rookie race. Chambliss won it while hitting .275 with a .341 on-base percentage, nine home runs, 20 doubles and 48 RBIs. It isn’t one of the top 10 Guardians rookie seasons, but he did win Rookie of the Year, so it’s worth mentioning in an honorable fashion.
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10. Francisco Lindor, 2015
Francisco Lindor broke onto the scene by tripping over first base on his first MLB hit in Detroit. From there, he packed a punch in only 99 games played, hitting .313 with a .353 OBP, 12 home runs, 51 RBIs and 12 stolen bases, all while handling shortstop en route to becoming one of the faces of the franchise for half a decade.
9. Les Fleming, 1942
Les Fleming lost two years of his MLB career to military service in World War II, and he played only three seasons after that time. But before joining the war effort, he had a tremendous rookie season with Cleveland in 1942, hitting .292 with a .412 OBP, 14 home runs, 27 doubles and 82 RBIs en route to finishing 25th in MVP voting.
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8. Mike Garcia, 1949
One of only two pitchers on this list, Mike Garcia turned in a terrific rookie year with Cleveland in 1949, posting a 2.36 ERA with 94 strikeouts in 175⅔ innings, enough for a 170 ERA+ and a 2.94 FIP. He also tossed five shutouts.
7. Sandy Alomar Jr., 1990
The last Cleveland player to win AL Rookie of the Year, Sandy Alomar Jr. in 1990 hit .290 with a .744 OPS, nine home runs, 26 doubles and 66 RBIs while handling catching duties. He also earned an All-Star nod and a Gold Glove as a rookie.
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Cleveland Guardians series at Shohei Ohtani-led Los Angeles Dodgers
Mar 30, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Cleveland Guardians pitcher Shawn Armstrong (43) pitches seventh inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians series at Shohei Ohtani-led Los Angeles Dodgers
Mar 30, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Cleveland Guardians pitcher Shawn Armstrong (43) pitches seventh inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians series at Shohei Ohtani-led Los Angeles Dodgers
Mar 30, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Cleveland Guardians manager Stephen Vogt (12) in the first inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians series at Shohei Ohtani-led Los Angeles Dodgers
Mar 30, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki (11) is taken out from the game by manager Dave Roberts (30) during the fifth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians series at Shohei Ohtani-led Los Angeles Dodgers
Mar 30, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers hitting coach Robert van Scoyoc (72) makes a throw to first base against the Cleveland Guardians in the first inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians series at Shohei Ohtani-led Los Angeles Dodgers
Mar 30, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Cleveland Guardians catcher Austin Hedges (27) reacts after hitting a double against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the third inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians series at Shohei Ohtani-led Los Angeles Dodgers
Mar 30, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Miguel Rojas (72) catches a fly ball hits by Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez (not pictured) during the fifth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians series at Shohei Ohtani-led Los Angeles Dodgers
Mar 30, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki (11) throws a pitch against the Cleveland Guardians in the first inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians series at Shohei Ohtani-led Los Angeles Dodgers
Mar 30, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Cleveland Guardians left fielder Steven Kwan (38) hits a RBI double against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the third inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians series at Shohei Ohtani-led Los Angeles Dodgers
Mar 30, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki (11) throws a pitch against the Cleveland Guardians in the first inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians series at Shohei Ohtani-led Los Angeles Dodgers
Mar 30, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez (11) hits a single against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians series at Shohei Ohtani-led Los Angeles Dodgers
Mar 30, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Cleveland Guardians pitcher Parker Messick (77) throws pitch against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians series at Shohei Ohtani-led Los Angeles Dodgers
Mar 30, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez (11) hits a single against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians series at Shohei Ohtani-led Los Angeles Dodgers
Mar 30, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA;Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez (11) steals second base against Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (50) in the first inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians series at Shohei Ohtani-led Los Angeles Dodgers
Mar 30, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Cleveland Guardians pitcher Shawn Armstrong (43) pitches seventh inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians series at Shohei Ohtani-led Los Angeles Dodgers
Mar 30, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Cleveland Guardians catcher Austin Hedges (27) reacts after hitting a double against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the third inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians series at Shohei Ohtani-led Los Angeles Dodgers
Mar 30, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Andy Pages (44) hits a single against the Cleveland Guardians in the second inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians series at Shohei Ohtani-led Los Angeles Dodgers
Mar 30, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Cleveland Guardians right fielder Angel Martinez (1) steals second base against Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (50) during the fifth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians series at Shohei Ohtani-led Los Angeles Dodgers
Mar 30, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Miquel Rojas (72) hits a double against the Cleveland Guardians in the third inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians series at Shohei Ohtani-led Los Angeles Dodgers
Mar 30, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) hits a single against the Cleveland Guardians in the first inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians series at Shohei Ohtani-led Los Angeles Dodgers
Mar 30, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Cleveland Guardians center fielder Daniel Schneemann (10) hits a RBI double during the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians series at Shohei Ohtani-led Los Angeles Dodgers
Mar 30, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Cleveland Guardians left fielder Steven Kwan (38) hits a RBI double against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the third inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians series at Shohei Ohtani-led Los Angeles Dodgers
Mar 30, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Miguel Rojas (72) catches a fly ball hits by Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez (not pictured) during the fifth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians series at Shohei Ohtani-led Los Angeles Dodgers
Mar 30, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy (13) hits a single during the fifth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians series at Shohei Ohtani-led Los Angeles Dodgers
Mar 30, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Former Olympic gold medalist and Chief Athlete Officer of LA28 Janet Evans walks to the mound to throw out the first pitch before the game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Cleveland Guardians at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Guardians series at Shohei Ohtani-led Los Angeles Dodgers
Mar 30, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Former Olympic gold medalist and Chief Athlete Officer of LA28 Janet Evans walks to the mound to throw out the first pitch before the game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Cleveland Guardians at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
6. Steven Kwan, 2022
Steven Kwan was the talk of the baseball world the first week of his MLB career in 2022, when he instantly became one of the toughest outs in the game. That year, Kwan hit .298 with a .373 on-base percentage, 38 extra-base hits and 19 stolen bases while handling the leadoff spot in the Cleveland lineup and playing Gold Glove defense in left field.
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5. Kenny Lofton, 1992
Just two years after Alomar won Rookie of the Year, Kenny Lofton finished second, though it could be argued the speedy centerfielder had the better season. In 1992, Lofton hit .285 with a .362 on-base percentage and stole a league-leading 66 bases. By fWAR, via his speed and defense, it’s the best Cleveland rookie season in the last 100 years.
4. Joe Charboneau, 1980
“Super” Joe Charboneau belted 23 home runs to go with 17 doubles, 87 RBIs, a .289 average and a .358 OBP en route to winning AL Rookie of the Year in 1980. Of course, his career fizzled only a few years later, and he played only 70 games after his rookie season. But for that one year, he captured the imagination of a fan base.
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What’s New at Progressive Field for 2026 season
The Cleveland Guardians unveiled new food items and renovation updates for Progressive Field ahead of the 2026 home opener.
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What’s New at Progressive Field for 2026 season
The Cleveland Guardians unveiled new food items and renovation updates for Progressive Field ahead of the 2026 home opener.
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What’s New at Progressive Field for 2026 season
The Cleveland Guardians unveiled new food items and renovation updates for Progressive Field ahead of the 2026 home opener.
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What’s New at Progressive Field for 2026 season
The Cleveland Guardians unveiled new food items and renovation updates for Progressive Field ahead of the 2026 home opener.
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What’s New at Progressive Field for 2026 season
The Cleveland Guardians unveiled new food items and renovation updates for Progressive Field ahead of the 2026 home opener.
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What’s New at Progressive Field for 2026 season
The Cleveland Guardians unveiled new food items and renovation updates for Progressive Field ahead of the 2026 home opener.
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What’s New at Progressive Field for 2026 season
The Cleveland Guardians unveiled new food items and renovation updates for Progressive Field ahead of the 2026 home opener.
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What’s New at Progressive Field for 2026 season
The Cleveland Guardians unveiled new food items and renovation updates for Progressive Field ahead of the 2026 home opener.
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What’s New at Progressive Field for 2026 season
The Cleveland Guardians unveiled new food items and renovation updates for Progressive Field ahead of the 2026 home opener.
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What’s New at Progressive Field for 2026 season
The Cleveland Guardians unveiled new food items and renovation updates for Progressive Field ahead of the 2026 home opener.
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What’s New at Progressive Field for 2026 season
The Cleveland Guardians unveiled new food items and renovation updates for Progressive Field ahead of the 2026 home opener.
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What’s New at Progressive Field for 2026 season
The Cleveland Guardians unveiled new food items and renovation updates for Progressive Field ahead of the 2026 home opener.
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What’s New at Progressive Field for 2026 season
The Cleveland Guardians unveiled new food items and renovation updates for Progressive Field ahead of the 2026 home opener.
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What’s New at Progressive Field for 2026 season
The Cleveland Guardians unveiled new food items and renovation updates for Progressive Field ahead of the 2026 home opener.
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What’s New at Progressive Field for 2026 season
The Cleveland Guardians unveiled new food items and renovation updates for Progressive Field ahead of the 2026 home opener.
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What’s New at Progressive Field for 2026 season
The Cleveland Guardians unveiled new food items and renovation updates for Progressive Field ahead of the 2026 home opener.
3. Hal Trosky Sr., 1934
Hal Trosky Sr. had a stat-stuffing rookie season in 1934, when he hit .330 with a .987 OPS, 35 home runs, 45 doubles, nine triples and 142 RBIs en route to finishing seventh in AL MVP voting. Unfortunately for him, Rookie of the Year voting wouldn’t start for another 13 seasons.
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2. Herb Score, 1955
Herb Score was the first Cleveland player to win the award, and he’s still one of the best rookies in franchise history. In 1955, Score led the league with 245 strikeouts while posting a 2.85 ERA in 227⅓ innings en route to a 16-10 record and an All-Star nod.
1. ‘Shoeless’ Joe Jackson, 1911
“Shoeless” Joe Jackson had played in parts of three seasons before his first full rookie year in 1911, but he remained eligible as a rookie. If it counts as a rookie season, Jackson’s is the best in franchise history — and it isn’t close.
Jackson hit .408 with a league-leading .468 OBP, seven home runs, 45 doubles, 19 triples, 83 RBIs and 41 stolen bases in what was a monster season worth 9.3 fWAR. He finished fourth in MVP voting that year, which opened one of the most infamous careers in baseball history.
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Ryan Lewis covers the Guardians and Cavaliers for the Akron Beacon Journal. He can be reached at rlewis1@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: The top 10 Guardians rookie seasons Chase DeLauter is trying to join