Blue Jays agree to terms on one-year deal with longtime Giants first baseman Belt
By The Canadian Press on January 10, 2023.
TORONTO – The Toronto Blue Jays have agreed to terms with infielder Brandon Belt on a US$9.3-million, one-year contract. Belt, 34, was limited to 78 games with the San Francisco Giants last year due to a right knee injury that eventually required season-ending surgery. He hit .213 with eight homers and 23 RBIs in 2022. The six-foot-three 231-pound native of Nacogdoches, Texas, was drafted by San Francisco in 2009. He has spent all 12 of his big-league seasons with the Giants. Belt gives the Blue Jays a left-handed bat who will likely serve primarily as a designated hitter and a backup to slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr., at first base. Belt has a career batting average of .261 and an on-base percentage of .356. He won World Series titles with the Giants in 2012 and 2014. To make room on the 40-man roster, the Blue Jays designated right-hander Julian Merryweather for assignment. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 10, 2023. 8-7
