Chase DeLauter's MLB debut with the Cleveland Guardians during the playoffs could give him a boost heading into next season.
Fans had been waiting a long time to see Chase DeLauter in a Cleveland Guardians uniform, and finally, that time came in one of the most unpredictable moments: the postseason. It’s not every day that a player makes their MLB debut in a playoff game, but DeLauter can say that he did.
Even though the 24-year-old only played in two games, and his first taste of the big leagues was over in a span of 24 hours, there’s still a lot that he can take away from this experience.
In fact, Cleveland's skipper, Stephen Vogt, recently said during an interview at the Winter Meetings that this experience on the playoff roster could provide the rookie with a boost heading into the 2026 season.
“Making his debut in the postseason, obviously, it's unique. I think knowing that he can handle playing in the postseason, he's going to be able to handle playing in the regular season,” explained Vogt.
“I think for Chase it was great to get his feet wet. It was great for him to 'Alright, now I know what it smells like on the highest stage. I know what it looks like. I know what it feels like.' And so for him, having a full winner of wanting that and knowing what it looks like, knowing what it feels like, I think that could be a huge boost for him going into this year.”
In DeLauter’s first six at-bats in the big leagues, he tallied just one hit, but certainly hit the ball hard. He also proved he could work a count and be patient, waiting for his pitch.
From everything Chris Antonetti and Vogt have said this offseason, it certainly feels like DeLauter will be an option on Opening Day, if he can stay healthy. The 24-year-old’s health has truly set him back during his minor league career.
Losing so much development time to injuries has certainly impacted DeLauter’s career. That said, having this playoff experience under his belt is something not many rookies can say that they’ve had.
Perhaps taking at-bats, being around a team playing with everything on the line, and giving DeLauter some valuable experience he missed while working his way back from injuries over the last two seasons.