The Cleveland Guardians fell to 2-6 in the Cactus League after dropping Saturday’s affair against the Chicago Cubs 7-4.
There were some exciting takeaways for Cleveland, though.
Cade Smith, Hunter Gaddis, and Tim Herrin made their spring debuts and allowed one run in three innings between the three of them, charged to Gaddis.
Yordys Valdez homered and prospect Cooper Ingle went 1-for-2 with an RBI.
Perhaps the most encouraging development of the day, however, was Juan Brito’s home run.
It was long and loud.
“His first homer of Cactus League play is a LOUD one.” Juan Brito (@CleGuardians) clobbers a solo shot, looking to build upon a 21-roundtripper campaign at Triple-A in 2024,” MLB Pipeline posted on X.
"His first homer of Cactus League play is a LOUD one."
Juan Brito (@CleGuardians) clobbers a solo shot, looking to build upon a 21-roundtripper campaign at Triple-A in 2024. pic.twitter.com/TwjFSMMFTb
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) March 1, 2025
It was also Brito’s first hit of the spring, in four games.
He was 0-for-7 with three strikeouts entering Saturday’s action.
Brito is probably the favorite to win the Guardians’ open competition for the second base job.
To fend off talented infielders such as Angel Martinez, Gabriel Arias, and Daniel Schneemann, however, he will need to do that more often.
He proved last year in Triple-A that he has more than enough pop to make an impact in the majors.
In 2024, playing for the Columbus Clippers of Triple-A, Brito accumulated 61 extra-base hits: 40 doubles and 21 home runs.
He also pitched in 92 runs scored, 84 RBI, and 13 stolen bases, with a solid 113 wRC+.
He is more of a steady, all-around contributor than a powerful slugger or speed demon, but the Guardians could use someone with a nice floor and some ceiling as their second baseman.
It’s still very early, but Brito’s case will undoubtedly benefit from afternoons like these.
NEXT: Guardians Star Relievers Will Make Spring Debut On Saturday
