Knowing that there is a job to be had on the major league roster can change a player’s mindset. With the Cleveland Guardians looking for an offensive boost from their middle infield, and with Travis Bazzana perhaps not being quite ready for the Opening Day lineup, Juan Brito has been trying to make an impression in spring training.
Looking to make his mark after thumb and hamstring injuries limited him to 31 minor league games last season, Brito is batting just .222 in nine spring appearances. However, after recovering from offseason surgery, his new approach has impressed Stephen Vogt.
The manager recently commented on the positive change he’s seen from Brito, who has been more aggressive than in the past.
“I’ve seen more quick twitch in [Juan],” Vogt said. “I think at times he has a slow heartbeat, but this year we’ve seen a more aggressive approach than in the past.”
Brito is entering the 2026 season as Cleveland’s No. 17 overall prospect, according to MLB.com. He was ranked at No. 10 in 2025, and at No. 7 in 2024, so his new attitude could be motivated by that perceived decline in status.
In 2024, he played 144 games for Triple-A Columbus and had an impressive slash line of .256/.365/.443. He also hit 21 home runs and had 13 stolen bases as he looked to be set as Cleveland’s second baseman of the future.
However, that year, the Guardians selected Bazzana with the No. 1 overall pick in the MLB Draft, and he is now considered Cleveland’s top overall prospect. With a need for improvement on offense, second base looked like an ideal position to find some, with incumbents Brayan Rocchio, Gabriel Arias and Daniel Schneemann lacking a high-ceiling profile.
Now, with Brito’s MLB debut likely delayed by last year’s injury setback, which fortuitously gave him a fourth-year minor league option, he must fight for his role in the organization going forward. Vogt suggested that Brito would also be used at first base and third base, and possibly in the outfield, this spring, which would make him much more valuable.
Yet, with Angel Genoa, another top infield prospect on the horizon, the competition to make the team will only get more difficult.
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