GRIZZLIES OFFSEASON UPDATE: 6'5 BRITO SIGNED
SAUGET, Illinois - Former Seattle Mariners prospect Kristian Brito brings size and experience to the Grizzlies' roster in 2018.
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The Gateway Grizzlies announced Tuesday that they have signed the Puerto Rican infielder after he was released by the Mariners' organization in 2017.
Brito, who spent time in multiple levels of Seattle's farm system, was considered a coveted power commodity by the organization and was drafted in the 11th round (2012) at just 19 years of age.
"He will be an anchor for us in the infield," noted Grizzlies' veteran manager Phil Warren. "Kristian will complement guys like Blake (Brown) and give us some great power potential offensively."
Brito, 23, who has posted a career average of .231, will look to mimic his strong 2016 campaign with the Everett Aquasox. Playing 46 games in Short-A assignment, the 6'5 slugger saw 178 AB - tallying 12 doubles, 7 HR and 46 RBI for a .298 season average.
"Let's be honest, he is big. He is powerful," added Warren. "Our staff is excited to get him here from Puerto Rico. He can really help us."
In 2017, Brito notched a .200 average with 4 HR, 15 RBI and a .336 SLG while at the Full-A Clinton LumberKings.
BASEBALL REFERENCE: https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=brito-000kri
The Grizzlies' 24-man roster is now at 18 after Tuesday's announcement. Frontier League spring training rules allow for 32 roster spots before season play.
The Grizzlies will open 2018 on Friday, May 11 against the Schaumburg Boomers. Promotional calendar will be available February 1. Season tickets are on sale now. Single game tickets go on sale April 2. For more information call 618.337.3000 or visit gatewaygrizzlies.com.
ABOUT THE GATEWAY GRIZZLIES: The Gateway Grizzlies are a professional baseball team, located a mere 100-yards from I-255 (10 minutes from downtown St. Louis). The Grizzlies offer baseball fans entertainment, the likes of which are difficult to find - affordable, family, fun in the comfortable GCS Credit Union Ballpark with a great view of the St. Louis skyline. For tickets or general information please visit gatewaygrizzlies.com or call 618.337.3000.
ABOUT THE FRONTIER LEAGUE: The Frontier League is a professional, independent baseball organization. Since its inception, the Frontier League has provided millions of fans to a fun and exciting baseball experience within the American Midwest. Consisting of 12 teams in two divisions and 96 game schedules, the league is recognized for the amount of talented athletes that are picked up by various MLB teams every year.