With the Cleveland Guardians deciding to trade their longtime second baseman Andrés Giménez, a new era stars for them.
They enjoyed fantastic offensive and defensive production from Giménez in 2022, but in the last two seasons, only the glove stuck as the offense tanked.
He posted below-average 96 and 83 wRC+ finishes in the last two campaigns, which is a big reason why president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti decided to trade him.
In the end, Antonetti brought pitching back and that was a huge organizational need.
Now, however, the Guardians will need to replace Giménez at second.
As of now, Juan Brito looks like the favorite for that role.
He is training hard at the team’s complex in Arizona, trying to get a leg up in the competition.
“Cleveland #Guardians 23yr old switch-hitting (2B) prospect Juan Brito putting in more work today out at the organizations Goodyear Development Complex. Brito set career highs in the following categories with Triple-A Columbus in 2024: 2B) 40, HR) 21, XBH) 61, Hits) 141, Runs) 92, RBI) 84, BB) 88,” Guardians Prospective posted on X.
Cleveland #Guardians 23yr old switch-hitting (2B) prospect Juan Brito putting in more work today out at the organizations Goodyear Development Complex.
Brito set career highs in the following categories with Triple-A Columbus in 2024:
2B) 40
HR) 21
XBH) 61
Hits) 141
Runs) 92… pic.twitter.com/18P0YbNGWE— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) December 14, 2024
A top prospect in the organization, Brito has a lot going on with a future starting role in mind.
He is a switch hitter, he has enough power to send 21 balls over the fence in Triple-A, he has quick wrists and gap power as his 40 doubles suggest, and he can also get a wall when needed, which means that his plate discipline isn’t a liability.
Brito is also very young, so he has time on his side.
He will be competing with Angel Martinez, Daniel Schneemann, and probably a non-roster invitee or two.
He is part of the future in Cleveland and is am exciting part of their core.
NEXT: Analyst Praises Guardians Starter's 'Electric Stuff'
