Chase DeLauter

The Guardians' big-league outfield is light on offensive impact potential, but that will change when DeLauter gets the call. The No. 16 overall pick in 2022, DeLauter broke his left foot midway through his junior year with James Madison and then broke a toe on that same foot during his rehab, so he didn't make his pro debut until June of 2023. He quickly made up for lost time, slashing .355/.417/.528 with five home runs, 22 doubles and six steals in 57 games across rookie ball, High-A and Double-A, with the bulk of those at-bats coming at High-A. A hulking 6-foot-4, 235-pound outfielder who can currently handle all three spots, DeLauter added to his 2023 ledger with a .299/.385/.529 line, five home runs and more walks than strikeouts in 23 Arizona Fall League games. Given his size and the physical nature of his game, it's a bit concerning that he has suffered multiple fractures on the same foot at this stage of his career, but DeLauter has looked like the best player on the field in most of the games he's played in over the past few years. He had 11 steals on 15 attempts in his 80 games last year, so while his speed should trend down in the coming years, DeLauter could be a five-category contributor in his early-20s. Despite the fact he only played six games at Double-A, DeLauter will likely look big-league ready early in 2024, so he's a viable high-upside flyer in draft-and-hold leagues. Read Past Outlooks