Brito could be a long shot to win the Guardians' second-base job, Joe Noga of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Manager Stephen Vogt spoke to reporters recently, and when asked about the second-base job, mentioned Brito fifth among the five names he brought up as being in the competition, with Gabriel Arias, Tyler Freeman, Angel Martinez and Daniel Schneemann being the others. While it doesn't necessarily mean Brito is indeed a long shot for the gig, it could indicate he won't be at the top of the pecking order heading into camp. Brito is the only one in the group without major-league experience, although he is on the 40-man roster. The 23-year-old slashed .256/.365/.443 with 21 homers and 13 steals in 2024 at Triple-A Columbus.

The Guardians optioned Brito to Triple-A Columbus on Tuesday, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The return from the Rockies in the Nolan Jones trade, Brito finished last season at Columbus and will return there to start 2024. Brito, 22, doesn't appear far off from being major-league ready, but the Guardians have multiple others ahead of him on the depth chart.

Brito was promoted to Triple-A Columbus on Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Brito -- one of Cleveland's top prospects -- posted an .817 OPS at the Double-A level this season, and he will get a chance to show what he can do at the top level of the minors before the campaign comes to a close.

Brito is slashing .280/.369/.450 with nine home runs, three steals and a 17.8 percent strikeout rate in 78 games with Double-A Akron.

EDGE Analysis

Brito, who turns 22 later this month, has made 44 starts at second base, 24 starts at third base and eight starts at shortstop with the RubberDucks. Unlike many other recent Guardians middle infielders, Brito projects to bring more value with his bat than his glove. He is already on the 40-man roster and should make his big-league debut next season.

Brito was promoted from High-A Lake County to Double-A Akron on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Brito had a solid 35-game stint at High-A, slashing .265/.379/.424 with four home runs, three stolen bases, 14 RBI and 29 runs scored over 161 plate appearances. The Guardians decided it was time for him to take the next step, and it's likely he'll spend much of the rest of 2023 with Akron.