The top Cleveland Guardians prospect to watch in spring training

Spring training games are just about to begin for the Cleveland Guardians, and the organization will get a hands-on look at how some of their younger player vying for playing time will perform against major league opponents. One player in particular was recently identified as a prospect to watch in a list appearing on MLB.com, Guardians outfield prospect Chase DeLauter.

The list was compiled by a group featuring Sam Dykstra, Johnathan Mayo, and Jim Callis. They made sure to mention the way they put the list together: "We're not including guys all but guaranteed jobs". and "focusing instead on players whose talent is more obvious than their opportunity". With that in mind, it is pretty clear why DeLauter is Cleveland's entry on a list such as this one.

The Guardians expected to deploy Lane Thomas in center, while Will Brennan and Jhonkensy Noel will share time in right. This poses a problem for DeLauter since Steven Kwan is not getting bumped from left field any time soon, pretty much blocking any path to regular major league playtime. But should anyone not named Kwan perform poorly in spring, or if someone were to go down with an injury of some type, it would give DeLauter the big league opportunity he is looking for.

DeLauter's performance in Cleveland's minor league system in addition to his offensive profile were specifically stated as reasons to watch him in Arizona, "The only first-round pick ever from James Madison (2022), he has slashed .317/.387/.517 in two pro seasons and .313/.417/.522 in two trips to the Arizona Fall League while displaying an impressive combination of size (6-foot-3, 235 pounds), athleticism, ability to hit for both average and power, and plate discipline.". There is no doubting DeLauter's size or production; there is, however, one thing that has stood in his way since being selected 16th overall in the 2022 MLB June Amatuer Draft. Injuries.

A series of lower body injuries, including a broken foot, fractured toe, and a hamstring strain, have limited DeLauter to just 96 minor league games. The lack of time spent on the field has not stunted his development, as evidenced by the above-mentioned track record, but it could be a reason for the Guardians to keep him in the minors to start the season, just to give him some extra at-bats and to avoid playing in cold-weather games in April. But if DeLauter were to play well enough or even outplay others in the mix for playing time in Cleveland's outfield, he very well could force their hand and make his way onto the Opening Day roster.