Chase DeLauter already starting to generate Rookie of the Year buzz for Guardians 

Last season Chase DeLauter made history by becoming just the sixth player in MLB history to make their big league debut in the postseason. And although he went just 1-for-6 in that time period with a big defensive miscue, the sky is still the limit for him when it comes to his big league potential. 

We got another example of that on Monday when the MLB Pipeline team put out a story highlighting one Rookie of the Year candidate for every team, where they had DeLauter listed as the Guardians’ inclusion on the list. 

While the Guardians have another solid Rookie of the Year candidate in Travis Bazzana (who is ranked as the No. 17 prospect in all of baseball), DeLauter’s inclusion on the list shows exactly how good the 24-year-old outfielder can be. 

Chase DeLauter has a legitimate chance to win American League Rookie of the Year 

Perhaps the main reason that DeLauter was included on this list instead of Bazzana is the fact that DeLauter has (technically) made his MLB debut via those two postseason games he appeared in. Meanwhile, Bazzana suffered a season-ending oblique injury in September while at Triple-A. 

Although he’s back to being healthy and is set to represent Australia at the World Baseball Classic, he’s not on the 40-man roster and would need to take a 26-man roster spot away from Gabriel Arias and Brayan Rocchio. 

Meanwhile, DeLauter’s already on the 40-man roster and has gotten the proverbial stamp of approval from the front office in the form of a postseason debut. 

It also helps that the Guardians have a clear need in their outfield after getting next-to-no production from center field and right field last season. 

DeLauter likely would have made his MLB debut earlier in the season if not for a midseason hamate injury, which has been one of the biggest storylines throughout his career. 

He’s only played in 138 games across three minor league seasons due to a variety of injuries, but he’s oozing with potential thanks to his unique blend of size, power and plate discipline. 

He’ll have his work cut out for him, however, as the American League is stacked with impact rookies, perhaps none so bigger than Tigers infield prospect Kevin McGonigle, who was included at Detroit’s selection and was chosen as the top AL rookie in a new MLB.com story that polled anonymous executives. 

Although he hasn’t played in Triple-A yet, he’s regarded as one of the best hitters in the minors and should get a chance to make the team out of spring training. 

But even if DeLauter, Bazzana, McGonigle or any other impact prospects don't make their team out of spring training, they still have as good a shot as anyone to win Rookie of the Year (Nick Kurtz won the award last year despite not making his debut until the end of April). 

DeLauter’s postseason call up was a step in the right direction. The 2026 season could be a huge step forward.