Brandon Belt of Hudson, Texas Signs with World Series Contender

Making His Move

For the past 12 seasons, the only Major League Baseball uniform that Brandon Belt has ever worn is the orange and black of the San Francisco Giants. That will all change for this 13th season in the Majors. The Hudson, Texas native will be moving over 2600 miles to a new team...heck, a new country. Brandon Belt will soon be sporting the royal blue, red, and white of the Toronto Blue Jays.

Following the 2022 season, Belt became a free agent. So, we knew there was a pretty good chance of the first baseman changing venues. The offseason continued to drag on and the rumors continued to swirl as to where the 'Baby Giraffe' would next play Big League Baseball.

Numerous teams such as the Texas Rangers, Boston Red Sox, Tampa Bay Rays, and others showed strong interest, but in the end, Toronto was the team that Belt chose for the upcoming 2023 season.  According to sources, Belt signed a 1-year, $9.3 million contract.

Why Toronto?

Brandon Belt was in our radio station studios Tuesday morning to talk about his upcoming $100K Grand Slam Fishing Tournament, so I asked him why he chose to go north of the border.

Belt said that the offer that the Blue Jays made him for the 2023 season shows that they are invested in what he has to offer and the impact he can make at the plate, on the field, and with his leadership.

He also picked Toronto because of their outlook for the upcoming season. Last year, the Blue Jays earned a wild-card playoff berth with a record of 92-70. They lost in the first round of the playoffs to the Seattle Mariners.

This year, Toronto made several roster changes and spent big bucks to become a serious contender for a World Series title. Belt would love to add a third championship ring to his trophy case.

There's Something Fishy Going On

Oh yeah...let's not forget another positive for picking the Blue Jays. Toronto sits on the shores of Lake Ontario and is just a few hours away from the St. Lawrence River. Brandon loves his fishing and those are two prime spots to put a boat in the water.

Will Brandon Belt Be Retiring After This Season?

Never say never, but I don't see that being the plan.

He had an off year in 2022 thanks to injuries and a knee surgery that kept him off the field for the final third of the season. When I talked to him Tuesday morning he said that he feels better than he has in quite a while and can't wait to display the offensive firepower that he showed off in the 2021 season.

Belt's grand plan is to win another championship, put up great stats for 2023 and then let the teams come calling for 2024 and beyond.

And so I end this post with a phrase I never thought I would type...

Go Blue Jays!!

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