Born03/06/2000 in San Pedro De Macoris, Dominican Republic
ProfileHt.: 6'0" / Wt.: 165 / Bats: S / Throws: R
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
Track Record: The Athletics shot past their international bonus pool allotment with their 2016 signing class, which was headlined by Cubans Lazaro Armenteros and Norge Ruiz. Brito signed for $1.1 million as part of Oakland's spending spree and has spent his brief pro career as one of the youngest players in his leagues. He was one of seven 18-year-old regular position players in the short-season New York-Penn League in 2018, and his youth showed with a .241/.325/.288 batting line.
Scouting Report: A wiry switch-hitter, Brito has readily apparent feel for the strike zone and for the barrel. He probably won't ever develop more than average power, but he can handle the bat and is disciplined enough to take borderline pitches for balls. The ball comes off his bat better from the left side, and his all-fields approach gives him a shot to hit for average with gap power. Brito is an athletic middle infielder and plus runner who looks sharp at second base with plus range and an above-average arm. He recorded the most assists (134) and turned the most double plays (29) among NYPL second basemen.
The Future: Brito has several development years ahead of him, but his high-energy style and high skill level at such a young age indicate his major league potential. If he doesn't stick as a regular second baseman, his speed, defensive fluidity and switch-hitting bat would be interesting in a utility role.
Signed for $1.1 million as a 16-year-old in July 2016 out of the Dominican Republic, Brito began his pro career in 2017 with a brief stint in the Dominican Summer League, followed by a longer stretch in the Rookie-level Arizona League. Brito played 34 of his 44 games in Arizona at second base. He also played five games at shortstop and four at third. Errors were a problem. He committed eight at second base and five at short. It's not certain where on the infield he'll ultimately settle, but second base is the best guess for most evaluators. Brito is a switch-hitter who didn't display much power in Arizona. The A's know he needs to add strength to his frame, and considering his age, there's still plenty of time for him to do that. Brito is slated to start 2018 in extended spring training, with a chance to get out to short-season Vermont if he progresses.
Minor League Top Prospects
While Oakland made a big splash by signing Lazaro Armenteros in 2016, they also managed to ink Brito, an athletic infielder, for just more than $1 million. Brito has shown steady performances despite not featuring much power, totaling just seven extra-base hits in 54 games for Vermont in 2018.
Brito's statistics don't jump out, but his tools are definitely interesting. He is a wiry guy who is a plus runner and good defender at second base. His bat is more contact oriented, but he is known as being an unselfish hitter who could develop into a top-of-the-order threat.
Scouts have taken notice of his excellent work ethic and his understanding of the game. Although he will need plenty of time to develop, his athleticism and developing tools make him an interesting contact-oriented second baseman down the line.
Download our app
Read the newest magazine issue right on your phone