If the Guardians want to insert themselves seriously into the playoff conversation for 2025 and beyond, they owe it to themselves to bring Chase DeLauter on to the major league roster as soon as possible.
The Guardians’ offense remains in the bottom third of the league, and they continue to struggle to get consistent production from their outfield. Conveniently, they have a top prospect playing outfield finally healthy (knock on wood, knock on wood) and hitting well in Triple-A in Chase DeLauter. The next move seems clear...
First, let’s talk about the current roster (13 hitters, given numbers as they first appear):
Catcher - (1) Bo Naylor and (2) Austin Hedges
First Base - (3) Carlos Santana and (4) Kyle Manzardo
Designated Hitter - Kyle Manzardo and (5) David Fry
Second Base - (6) Daniel Schneemann and (7) Angel Martinez
Third Base - (8) Jose Ramirez
Shortstop - (9) Gabriel Arias
Left Field - (10) Steven Kwan
Center Field - (11) Lane Thomas and (12) Nolan Jones and Angel Martinez
Right Field - Nolan Jones and (13) Johnathan Rodriguez
There really isn’t a way to get DeLauter on the major league roster without sacrificing the roster spot of an outfielder.