The Cleveland Guardians stormed back from down 15.5 games and retook the AL Central division lead from the Detroit Tigers. They secured home field for the Wild Card round and will face Detroit to begin the 2025 MLB postseason.
But before they could get underway, the Guardians had to decide their postseason roster. Although most of the roster is already finalized, they had to consider whether they'd make some MLB history in the process.
And, once the Guardians officially announced their postseason roster, history was made. Cleveland has called up top outfield prospect Chase DeLauter to the postseason roster, where he could make his MLB debut in the playoffs.
Chase DeLauter to make history for his MLB debut
The Guardians are carrying seven outfielders on their postseason roster, DeLauter being one of them. It was reported the day before this announcement that the Guardians were strongly considering this move, and now it has been confirmed.
The roster is set.#GuardsBall pic.twitter.com/ERZvx7RdQp
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) September 30, 2025
DeLauter, the moment he steps onto the field, regardless of where it is, would be the sixth player in MLB history to make his MLB debut in the playoffs.
The most recent rookies to make their MLB debuts in the playoffs were all from the 2020 COVID-19 Season. They were Shane McClanahan of the Tampa Bay Rays, Alex Kirilloff of the Minnesota Twins, and Ryan Weathers of the San Diego Padres.
Before those three, Adalberto Mondesi of the Kansas City Royals in 2015 made his MLB debut in the playoffs, with his debut coming in the World Series.
The first player to make his MLB debut in the playoffs was Athletics second baseman Mark Kiger. He's an interesting case in that his only MLB experience came in the playoffs.
More: How one decision sparked the Guardians' incredible AL Central comeback
With the Guardians officially calling up DeLauter, the Guardians' top outfield prospect is slated to make his MLB debut in the playoffs and would become the sixth player to do so in MLB history.
He's been a solid player in his minor league career, but has dealt with injuries derailing his seasons in recent years. When he has been on the field, he's been a strong player.
This season, in 34 games in Triple-A, he has an .859 OPS with eight doubles, five home runs, 21 RBIs, and 35 hits. In his minor-league career, DeLauter has an .888 OPS in 138 games since the 2023 season.
A few years after being drafted in the first round of the 2022 MLB Draft, DeLauter has been called up to the Majors, and once he's put into the game, he will make his MLB debut in the playoffs during the 2025 Wild Card round against the Tigers.
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