The Cleveland Guardians have made some pivotal roster decisions as they head into the new season. Infielder Juan Brito and right-handed reliever Trevor Stephan are both starting the year in the minors, with Brito being optioned to Triple-A Columbus and Stephan reassigned to Minor League camp.
For Brito, this isn't unfamiliar territory. Last year, he narrowly missed out on securing the starting second baseman position during spring training.
This time, despite a spirited performance in the Cactus League, his .154 batting average and .582 OPS weren't enough to edge out Gabriel Arias for a spot at second base. Brito's versatility, capable of covering all infield positions and outfield corners, remains a significant asset.
With some strong performances in Triple-A, he could still carve out a future role with the Guardians, though he faces stiff competition from top prospect Travis Bazzana.
On the pitching side, Trevor Stephan's journey has been a challenging one. Once a standout setup man from 2021 to 2023, Stephan's career hit a snag with Tommy John surgery in 2024.
His return to the mound last year saw struggles in the minors, reflected in a 9.51 ERA over 23.2 innings. The key concern is his velocity; his fastball, which once averaged 96.5 mph, has dipped significantly, topping out at 91.4 mph in a recent spring game.
The Guardians are hopeful that Stephan can rediscover his pre-injury form, but until then, his path back to the majors remains uncertain.
As the Guardians prepare for the season, they appear set to rely on Gabriel Arias, Brayan Rocchio, and Daniel Schneemann for their middle infield duties. Both Brito and Stephan will aim to make their mark in the minors, hoping for a call-up that could redefine their careers.