How do Chase DeLauter's projected 2026 stats compare to those of other rookies across MLB?
Chase DeLauter is in line for a major role and a massive impact with the Cleveland Guardians in 2026. With how many opportunities the outfielder should receive and his overall potential to be a star, DeLauter should be in the conversation for Rookie of the Year throughout the season.
Until the season officially gets underway, it’s still a mystery as to how exactly DeLauter will perform, but some projections could give some insight into how he will compare to other rookies across MLB.
MLB.com’s Brian Murphy recently put together a list of the best projected rookies in each league and what type of numbers they could put up in year-one.
"Injuries have limited the 2022 first-round Draft pick to just 138 Minor League games and no more than 57 in a single year, so forecasting his immediate future can be a tough task, but Steamer is pretty optimistic about his ability to stay on the field in 2026. DeLauter is projected for a .252/.326/.408 slash line with 14 homers in 118 games and 497 PAs," wrote Murphy.
If DeLauter does finish his rookie season with a slashline of .252/.326/.408, the Guardians should be pleased and encouraged about how the year went, especially the on-base percentage being over .300.
Cleveland Guardians center fielder Chase DeLauter (34) watches his first career hit during the second inning of Game 3 of the American League Wild Card Series at Progressive Field, Oct. 2, 2025, in Cleveland, Ohio. © Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesOf course, with any numbers, context is important.
There will definitely be stretches where DeLauter struggles at the plate; it’s inevitable and, in some cases, necessary for young players. But if DeLauter can balance out the unavoidable rough stretches with periods where he looks like a star, everything will be balanced in the end.
Based on the list, DeLauter is projected to be the No. 3 overall rookie in the American League, with a WAR of 2.1. Toronto Blue Jays pitching sensation Trey Yesavage (2.2 WAR) and Kazuma Okamoto (2.5 WAR) are predicted to finish just about the Guardians' rookie.
The interesting piece to point out, though, is that the Blue Jays' rookie duo isn’t projected to have that much of a better season than DeLauter, according to WAR.
The difference between these players is one or two weeks of more productive play on the field, or, in the case of Okamoto, slightly better or worse defense.
Even if DeLauter isn’t a ROY of the finalist when the season is over, if he can give the Guardians a reason to have hope in the outfield for the future and stay on the field, that should be considered a successful rookie year.
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