Numerous MLB teams have expressed interest in free agent outfielder Sócrates Brito, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Heyman’s report did not specify which teams might be interested. Brito has spent the last three seasons with the Kia Tigers of the KBO.
Brito, now 32, was once a well-regarded prospect in the Diamondbacks system. He was chosen as the organization’s minor league Minor League Player of the Year in 2015, and most sources considered him one of the team’s top 10 prospects entering the 2016 season. However, he was never able to translate his minor league success to the majors. Over 99 MLB games with the D-backs and Blue Jays from 2015-19, Brito slashed .176/.216/.309 in 218 trips to the plate. Despite his elite sprint speed and solid outfield defense, he produced -0.6 FanGraphs WAR.
After a rough year at Triple-A with the Yankees in 2021, Brito signed a contract with the Kia Tigers and packed his bags for Korea. It turned out to be the right decision. He was named a KBO All-Star in each of his first two seasons with the Tigers. While he did not make the All-Star team in 2024, he set new career highs in home runs, runs scored, and RBI. He also helped his club win the Korean Series for the 12th time in franchise history and the first time since 2017. All told, Brito has slashed .302/.352/.491 with 63 home runs, 40 stolen bases, and an .843 OPS over three seasons in the KBO.
Heyman’s report does not necessarily suggest that Brito is planning (or even trying) to return to affiliated ball. He has enjoyed a successful career so far in Korea, in terms of individual accolades, team accomplishments, and financial compensation. His contract for the 2024 season guaranteed him $800K and contained an additional $400K in incentives. If he can land a similar deal from the Kia Tigers for 2025, one can see why he wouldn’t be interested in returning to North America for anything less than a guaranteed contract. Despite his excellent performance in the KBO, his uninspiring MLB track record could scare off potential suitors from offering such a guarantee.
Jays legend
077/163/128
There were people watching in the stands who could have done better
This is so obviously a rumor spread by his agent. “Multiple interest” in this guy? Doubtful.
So-Crate, you are a [city name] Athletic!
Hey ….it is So Crates
Playdo or Socrates
Playdo seems more fun from what I remember…
WHO? Jhony Brito bettah.
How’s it going? This is Bill. I’m Ted. We’re from the future! How would you like to play for the San Dimas High baseball team?
Why?
“That So Crates dude!”–Theodore “Ted” Logan
Was Rosencratz not available to write this story
Só, Heyman’s multiple mystery team theory is philosophically debunked by a website that traffics in rumors
Got to love that name.
Brito’s agent paying Heyman big money to write that fluff tweet
This will be Atkins’ big splash.
Am I crazy or do these stories make me think anyone coming over from KBO better have Bonds stats? Brito is better at baseball than all of us reading here but… he certainly doesn’t seem worthy of a spot on an MLB roster. Happy for him he’s making great money, he should stay in Korea and invest well. He’ll be able to retire in a few years and live happily.