6 Cleveland Guardians not on the Active Roster that can crack the Postseason Roster

Juan Brito & Angel Martinez, SS/UTIL

I grouped these two together because, given their similarities, it is unlikely that both will make an impact in October. Martinez hit the ball really well and flashed his speed early in his MLB stint, even earning the Guardians’ two-hole spot for a few days. Martinez showed plate discipline and earned 12 walks in his month in the majors, but a slump dropped his slash line to .236/.306/.373 by the time he was optioned for the returning Brennan. Brito, another highly touted prospect, has seen some peaks and valleys at AAA, but the return is much more promising than not.

Brito, a versatile defender who has been tried practically everywhere in the field, is a true modern-day baseball player, as he walked and struck out at least 70 times each MiLB season from 2022-24. Brito’s power has also taken off; after hitting only 17 home runs through three minor league seasons, he hit 14 home runs last season and has 15 to date this year. For now, Brayan Rocchio, Daniel Schneeman, and Tyler Freeman occupy the shortstop spot that these two may be looking to steal, but all three of them are hitting below .220. I would not be shocked if Martinez and/or Brito got a look these final two months, and I’d fully expect a fight between those two for the starter’s job next March.