Guardians promote Juan Brito to Triple-A Columbus

With the Akron RubberDucks season coming to a close this past weekend, the Cleveland Guardians have decided to promote middle infield prospect Juan Brito to Triple-A, joining the Columbus Clippers for the remainder of their season.

The 21-year-old switch-hitting infielder appeared in 87 games for the RubberDucks this season, totaling 21 doubles, 10 home runs, and one triple while slashing .276/.373/.444 with an OPS of .817. This is slightly improved over his 35 games played for the Lake County Captain. Brito would finish that stint with nine doubles and four homes with a .265/.379/.424/.803 super slash.

Brito has been pretty consistent in the weighted runs created plus department since 2021, finishing with 126, 129, 129, and 125 across four different levels in two different organizations (the first two coming from his time in the Colorado Rockies' system). Being able to show a similar number in this area while progressing through the minor league system while also being moved from one organization to another points toward potential positive outcomes in the future.

There will not be a ton to take away from Brito's time in Columbus as the Clippers only have a handful of games on the schedule. This is mostly about getting Cleveland's number six-rated prospect some experience at the next level of the minor leagues. Brito is still a little ways away from his estimated arrival in the major leagues (2025), but seeing him progress to the next level does bode well for his future.

It should not be too long before Brito enters into the mix of infielders that the Guardians give a chance to at the major league level. Cleveland has given chances to Gabriel Arias, Tyler Freeman, and Brayan Rocchio, with mixed results at best. Perhaps Brito could come in down the line and take the job that this trio has been vying for unsuccessfully.