An adage in sports says that the best ability is availability. For Cleveland Guardians prospect Juan Brito, versatility could be added to that as well.
Coming off a 2025 season that was limited by injury, Brito is at spring training fighting for a role on the team. As a switch-hitter who can play multiple positions, he could be just what manager Stephen Vogt needs coming off the bench.
Though Brito’s main position is second base, Vogt revealed that the plan is to have him work at first base and third base as well, which could land him a spot on the final roster.
“You’re going to see him at all three spots this spring. He’s a really good athlete that can play multiple positions. If Juan Brito can play all of those roles, it’s obviously beneficial for him and for us,” Vogt said.
#Guardians Manager Stephen Vogt says Juan Brito will be at 1B, 2B, and 3B this Spring.
Also talks about right field, which he the team doesn't have a ton of right handed options for.
"If Juan Brito can play all of those roles… obviously it's beneficial for him and for us." pic.twitter.com/iZnQGRmq8s
— Mason Horodyski (@MasonHorodyski) February 17, 2026
Brito can also play the outfield, which adds even more to what he can bring to the team. As one of the few players on Cleveland’s 40-man roster who can bat right-handed, all of those traits may add up to him finally making his major league debut.
He signed with the Colorado Rockies organization back in 2018, and then was traded to Cleveland before the 2023 season for Nolan Jones. Ironically, Jones came back to the Guardians last season and the outfielder is looking to secure a role for himself as well.
Last season, thumb surgery and a hamstring injury limited Brito to 24 games in Triple-A. In 2024, he appeared in 144 games for Columbus and had an OPS of .808 with 21 home runs.
If Brito does stick with Cleveland, it will be as a utility player. The Guardians have a glut of middle infielders, with top prospect Travis Bazzana potentially competing with Gabriel Arias for the second base job. Brayan Rocchio is in the mix as well, though he or Arias may wind up as the everyday shortstop.
Cleveland is also set at first base with Kyle Manzardo, and superstar Jose Ramirez is a fixture at third base. So there is little opportunity for Brito at the corners.
However, if he can give those players a rest, or fill in if they get injured, plus play right field, he could wind up with a great deal of playing time.
NEXT: Analyst Predicts Winner Of Guardians Second Base Battle
