On the mound, heâ€s methodical. Every pitch is thrown with intent, every sequence carefully considered. But even for a pitcher so in tune with himself, there are times when unwelcome negative thoughts seep in and try to take control.
“When I let my anxiety take over, thatâ€s when things go out of rhythm for me,†Brito said in Spanish. “When I take the time to calm down, thatâ€s when I start to execute.â€
No performance better displayed that than Brito’s second start for the Scottsdale Scorpions in the Arizona Fall League. The 21-year-old righthander gave up back-to-back walks against the Mesa Solar Sox and began to feel that all-too-familiar feeling settling in. Thatâ€s when pitching coach Nate Keavy and fellow Astros teammate and catcher Walker Janek consulted with Brito on the mound about what to throw next.Â
They came up with a game plan, and Brito settled in. He responded by striking out seven consecutive batters and finished with three scoreless innings.
Part of Brito’s success that night was due to his strong repertoire. The Venezuelan native and 13th-ranked prospect in the Astros’ system is equipped with a fastball that sits 95-98 mph and has touched 100 in the past, along with a splitter thatâ€s been generating plenty of whiffs and an improved sweeper. Because of that success, Brito was named the Arizona Fall League pitcher of the week for the second week of action.
But beyond his stuff, perhaps a more crucial aspect of Brito’s success was due to refocusing on the mental aspect of the game and the breathing exercise he vowed to use to regain his composure.Â
Brito takes pride in being selected by the Astros to compete in the Fall League. More than just an opportunity to make up for missing nearly two months this season with an undisclosed injury, he knows the AFL has launched countless big league careers. And he understands the competition against some of the game’s top prospects will push him to be better, faster and sharper.Â
For Brito, the opportunity isnâ€t just about showing what he can do on the mound—itâ€s about mastering the mental game that will allow him to thrive when the stakes are highest.
“Iâ€ve learned so much from the people around me in the AFL,†Brito said. “Iâ€ve only been playing professionally for two years. Some of these players have been around for five. I learn something new every day out here, and I try to incorporate that into each start. I take it seriously, because Iâ€ve seen the results this fall.â€
At the time of Britoâ€s $10,000 signing in November 2023, there was little fanfare—and little reason for it. Two seasons later, his performance has made him one of the organizationâ€s more intriguing under-the-radar finds. Over 103 innings across two professional seasons, he’s posted a 2.36 ERA and 1.10 WHIP with 147 strikeouts to 49 walks.
Brito knows the Astros have a strong record for finding diamonds in the rough in the international market.
“Theyâ€ve given me the confidence and support I need,†Brito said. “Iâ€m thankful for them giving me an opportunity. Iâ€m willing to put in the work wherever they send me.â€
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