Chase DeLauter

DeLauter has been a well-known prospect in the 2022 draft class dating back to his exploits in the 2021 Cape Cod League, where he had a .986 OPS, nine home runs and more walks (21) than strikeouts (18) in 34 games. That data point is noteworthy not only because it was with a wood bat, but because he didn't face great competition in three years in the Colonial Athletic Association with James Madison. Cleveland can afford to be patient with DeLauter, whom they selected with the 16th overall pick. At 6-foot-4, 235 pounds, he's already got an XXL frame, and his left-handed swing can get long, so the main concern is how he will handle the type of velocity he will be seeing regularly for the first time in pro ball. There is a chance he ends up as a strong-side platoon bat. DeLauter runs well for his size, but could move from center field to right field. It's tough to predict how his above-average speed will age, as he already looks too big to move as well as he does, yet he shouldn't add much weight going forward. He broke his left foot midway through his junior season and won't make his pro debut until 2023. Read Past Outlooks