Should the Marlins select DeLauter if he’s available with their first-round draft pick?
Chase DeLauter is a 6’4”, 235-pound outfielder who plays for the James Madison Dukes. DeLauter is one of the top collegiate prospects in this amateur draft class and could be on the Marlins’ radar.
In his collegiate career, DeLauter has a ridiculous career slash line of .402/.520/.715. During the 2020 season at JMU, DeLauter played and started in all 16 games. He was the club’s leadoff hitter and batted .382 with 26 hits, seven doubles, one home run, seven stolen bases and a 1.013 OPS.
As a redshirt freshman, DeLauter had an even more impressive season as he slashed .386/.508/.723 with 39 hits, 12 doubles, two triples, six home runs, 21 RBIs and a 1.231 OPS in 26 games.
In the current season, DeLauter is still putting up video game numbers—entering Wednesday, he’s batting .437 with 38 hits, eight doubles, eight home runs, 35 RBIs, 10 stolen bases and a 1.404 OPS. The unfortunate news for DeLauter is that he’ll be out for about a month as he recently broke his left foot.
DeLauter possesses excellent hitting tools including plus raw power and an advance plate approach. DeLauter also runs very well and has the potential to play center field at the next level, but he profiles more as a right fielder with his plus arm strength.
Strengths
And just like that, Chase DeLauter is on the board. To dead-center, no less. pic.twitter.com/G7YYtKpIQJ
— Joe Doyle (@JoeDoyleMiLB) February 23, 2022
- Plus raw power
- Excellent plate approach
- Has walked more than struck out in his collegiate career
- Good arm strength
- Runs well and is smart on the base paths
- Consistently makes hard contact
- Raked in the Cape Cod Summer Collegiate League (.298/.397/.589, 9 HR, 21 RBI in 34 G)
Weakness
- Doesn’t face great competition at James Madison
- Swing path is a bit long
- Recently injured his foot
Pro Comparison: Nathaniel Lowe
Projection: Top 10 pick
Bottom Line
Chase DeLauter has had an incredible collegiate career in all aspects of the game. He’s mostly known for his offense, but don’t overlook his contributions with the glove as well. DeLauter validated his James Madison production by succeeding against great competition with a wood bat on the Cape.
DeLauter’s broken foot might have him falling down some 2022 MLB Draft boards. That should not deter the Marlins from considering him with the sixth overall pick.