Which Guardians Top Prospects Will Make a Big League Impact in 2026?

This came on the heels of an incredible, albeit shortened, 2022 season at JMU where he hit .437/.576/.828 over 24 games. He likely would have gone even higher in the draft, but a broken foot prevented him from finishing the season and caused him to miss his first year of minor league play.

For DeLauter, health has always been the name of the game. In the time since his left foot injury, DeLauter has re-injured the same foot, sprained toes, strained his hamstring, dealt with a sports hernia, and fractured his right hamate bone.

These injuries have limited DeLauter to just 138 games over the past three seasons. Still, he has made the most of the time he has spent on the field. Over those 138 games, DeLauter has hit .302/.384/.504 across the minor league levels while hitting 20 home runs and 40 doubles.

While his hit and power tools have been impressive early, he has also demonstrated patience at the plate. He walks nearly as often as he strikes out, and rarely chases outside the zone. DeLauter is also a solid defender with a strong arm and the ability to play at any outfield position.

Outside of Kwan, the Guardians have lacked outfield production for some time. DeLauter should have plenty of runway throughout this next season as long as he can stay on the field. 

Daniel Espino (RHP)

Among pitching prospects in the Guardians’ system, few are more interesting than Daniel Espino. Injuries have plagued his playing career thus far, but he still has plenty of potential.