Astros’ Anderson Brito Adds New Pitches To Complement Blazing Fastball

By industry standards, Venezuelan righthander Anderson Brito was considered old when he signed with the Astros as a 19-year-old in November 2023.

Yet, the Astros have had good fortune signing pitchers who are older than the typical Latin American international free agent.

Dominican lefthander Framber Valdez was 21 when he signed for $10,000 in 2015.

Dominican righthander Ronel Blanco was 22 when he signed for $5,000 in 2016.

The 5-foot-10 Brito, who turned 20 in July, had an impressive pro debut and reached Low-A Fayetteville.

Man, hes a super smart kid, mature well past his age, Fayetteville manager Ricky Rivera said.

I would say hes very cognizant of the movements of his body.

The kid is a workhorse.

Hes an 80-grade teammate and the fastball speaks for itself.

The righthanders fastball hit 99 mph in 2024, helping him cruise through the Dominican Summer League with a 0.40 ERA with 40 strikeouts in 22.1 innings.

He then threw four scoreless innings of two-hit ball with four strikeouts in his lone Florida Complex League outing.

In Fayetteville, Brito struck out 38 in 27.1 innings, giving up 19 hits and eight runs with 15 walks.

He recorded a 2.63 ERA in seven appearances.

Brito and Fayetteville pitching coach Zach Wilkins worked on adding a cutter, a version of a sweeper and a split-changeup to his arsenal.

Its an explosive fastball, Rivera said.

Its been up to the upper 90s.

When he came up to us, he was using that primarily, but he and Wilkins worked on his other pitches.

Hes an awesome, awesome kid.

He cares so much about others.

The kid is a pro already.

Hes a quick learner.

Hes athletic.

He makes quick adjustments..

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