Chase DeLauter joins wild list of players who've made MLB debut in playoffs

On Wednesday, Chase DeLauter made his major league debut for the Guardians in their win over the Tigers in Game 2 of the Wild Card series.

While it was an up-and-down debut that featured an eight-pitch walk and an adventure in center field, DeLauter’s presence on the field was historic given the fact that his first major league action came in the postseason. 

That distinction means that DeLauter joins a wild list of players to make their major league debut in the postseason. Here’s a look at the five other players who made their MLB debut when the lights were the brightest. 

Chase DeLauter joins list of unique ballplayers with postseason debut

Mark Kiger, Athletics (2006)

Kiger has the unique distinction of being the only player in MLB history to only play in the postseason, as he played in two games for Oakland as a late-game replacement in the American League Championship Series. He never had an at-bat. 

He ended up playing in 878 minor league games in his career but never appeared in another major league game. 

Adalberto Mondesi, Royals (2015)

Mondesi became the first (and thus far, the only) player to debut in the World Series when he pinch-hit in Game 3 of 2015 Fall Classic against the Mets. While he ended up striking out in his only at-bat, he ended up becoming a serviceable middle infielder for the Royals.

He led baseball with 10 triples in 2019 and 24 steals in 2020. 

Alex Kirilloff, Twins (2020)

The first of three players to make their debut in the 2020 postseason, Krilloff became the first player to start in the postseason in their major league debut. He went 1-for-3 in the Twins’ season-ending loss.

While Kirilloff ranked as one of the Twins’ top prospects, injuries derailed his career before he eventually retired after the 2024 season. 

Shane McClanahan, Rays (2020)

McClanahan saw a lot of playing time during the Rays’ run toward the World Series in 2020, as appeared in four different games in relief. 

He burst onto the scene a year later when he posted a 3.43 ERA in 123 1/3 innings before being an All-Star in 2022 and ‘23. That said, we haven’t seen him since, as he underwent Tommy John surgery in August 2023 and missed all of last season due to a triceps injury. 

Ryan Weathers, Padres (2020)

Weathers appeared in one game for the Padres in the 2020 postseason and is still a productive major league five years later. He appeared in 43 games for the Padres across three different seasons before being traded to the Marlins at the 2023 deadline in exchange for Garrett Cooper. 

Weathers has posted a .411 ERA in 138 innings with the Marlins despite struggling with injuries, and seems set to be a staple in their starting rotation for years to come.