The case for why Chase DeLauter should start next season with the Guardians

As the 2026 season slowly approaches, there is one question many Cleveland Guardians fans have in their heads: When will Chase DeLauter be given a chance to show Cleveland what he can offer?

While part of the reason that question is so prominent is due to the lack of production the Guardians got from their right fielders this year, another reason is because is one of the most exciting prospects in the Guardians' system.

DeLauter has shown that he has undeniable power along with a steady glove in the outfield, which has Cleveland's fanbase frothing at the mouth to see what he can do with the big league club.

The calls for DeLauter to earn a call-up have gotten louder and louder as the season has gone on due to the struggles from seemingly every Guardians outfielder not named Steven Kwan.

Guardians right fielders have combined for a wRC+ of 60 (the third-worst mark in the league), while the center fielders haven't been much better (69 wRC+). In total, Guardians right and center fielders have combined for a .201 batting average.

That list of outfielders includes Angel Martínez, Nolan Jones, Lane Thomas, Jhonkensy Noel, Will Brennan and Johnathan Rodríguez. While all of those players are young are young and under team control (outside of Thomas) that kind of production is unacceptable for a team trying to compete for a World Series title.

Jones and Brennan are coming up on the end of their time with the Guardians, which is why the front office will likely be more inclined to give reps to Martínez, Noel and Rodríguez.

Martínez has secured his spot due in large part to his ability to field multiple positions while slashing .228/.268/.370. While he definitely needs to get on base more and hit with power, he's played in almost every game and seems to be a part of the team's core.

But it's clear that DeLauter is a better all-around player than Noel and Rodríguez, which is why he should have a leg up on them heading into next season.

The Guardians should have Chase DeLauter on their Opening Day roster next year so long as he's healthy

DeLauter hit .278 with eight doubles, one triple, five home runs and 21 RBI in 24 games with the Clippers this season, and likely would have been called up already this year had he not gotten injured.

Injuries have become a part of his career thus far, as he hasn't played in more than 57 games in any of his minor league seasons. The Guardians just announced that he's going to be playing in the Arizona Fall League for the third time in his career so he can get more at-bats.

That said, DeLauter should still have the inside track to make the Guardians next season so long as he's able to stay healthy.

He's has played all three outfield positions in his career, though he's spent the most time in right field and center field — the two spots the Guardians need to address next season.

DeLauter also has the size (6'3", 235 pound frame) and athleticism needed to succeed in the majors.

Even if DeLauter hasn't played in as many minor league games as the Guardians would like, having him on the Opening Day roster next season gives them the best chance to capitalize on his talents.

It would also give him a chance to adjust to major league pitching for the first time in his career. And, if he struggles, the Guardians could always send him back down to Triple-A to give him a bit of an early season breather. Even if he isn't a full-time player right away, being in Cleveland would give him a chance to challenge himself in a new environment.

With a little to lose and a lot to gain, DeLauter should be breaking camp with the Guardians next season when they head to Seattle for Opening Day.