With the MLB trade deadline a month away, the Cleveland Guardians have several decisions to make that could affect the rest of their season. The Guardians are currently 1.5 games out of the final AL Wild Card spot with a 39-38 record.
To improve their chances of making a run at the playoffs, Guardians fans are urging Cleveland to call up their No. 2 prospect, Chase DeLauter, from the Columbus Clippers.
Why the Guardians should call up DeLauter
DeLauter has been on a hot streak the past month for the Clippers. The Guardians bringing in a player who is currently playing good baseball will help the team improve their chances of making a run at the playoffs.
In June, DeLauter has recorded a .357/.471/.554 slashline and an OPS of 1.025. DeLauter has also reached base in every single game that he’s played this month.
The Guardians are also looking to improve the talent of their outfield position group, which consists only of Steven Kwan. Cleveland’s outfielders have struggled this season, and the center and right fielders have a combined wRC+ of 44, which is the worst in the MLB.
If DeLauter gets called up to Cleveland, he will likely struggle to start as most minor league players do when they make the transition to the majors. It is a risk that the Guardians should be willing to take, as he will be a major upgrade to Cleveland’s outfield.
The decision of whether or not the Guardians decide to call up DeLauter will determine if Cleveland will be buyers or sellers at the trade deadline.
