MLB Pipeline lists top Cleveland Guardians prospect with most power potential

Contrary to popular belief, the Cleveland Guardians do have some power potential in their minor-league system. Guys like Jhonkensy Noel, Johnathan Rodriguez, and George Valera offer a ton of tantalizing power, but there are serious questions as to whether they have the tools to make it in the big leagues.

However, even as those guys certainly have the potential to hit 30+ homers, MLB Pipeline has named another player with the most realistic major-league power potential in Cleveland's minor-league system.

We're of course talking about 2022 first-round pick Chase DeLauter.

Here is what MLB Pipeline had to say about DeLauter:

The Guardians have sluggers with crazier raw power -- Deyvison De Los Santos and Jhonkensy Noel come to mind -- but DeLauter has more usable pop. The highest-drafted player in James Madison history (16th overall, 2022), the 6-foot-4, 235-pound DeLauter features an impressive combination of size, athleticism, performance and plate discipline. A recurring left foot issue delayed his pro debut until June 2023, but he batted .355/.417/.528 with 27 extra-base hits in 57 games while reaching Double-A and then starred in the Arizona Fall League.

DeLauter, drafted 16th overall, has been lauded at times for his power potential, thanks in large part to that imposing frame. That being said, much of the focus in his scouting reports at times is on his plate discipline, speed, and ability to hit for average. He's often mentioned as having the range of a center fielder, but if he can tap even more into that power potential (which is a plus tool by many accounts), DeLauter could be destined for a corner outfield spot.

Of course, all of this might not seem that surprising after his great Arizona Fall League run and the massive home run DeLauter hit Tuesday, his first spring training homer and a glimpse for many fans into what made him a first-round pick in the first place.

DeLauter is the total package, and home runs like that are what have Guardians fans salivating. Though he's got the ability to hit over .300 and could walk more than he strikes out, we definitely shouldn't forget that DeLauter can simply and absolutely tear the cover off a baseball. More than anything else, that is what this team so desperately needs.

With DeLauter and Kyle Manzardo waiting in the wings, the future of Cleveland Guardians baseball is very, very bright.