With just under two weeks to go until spring training, veteran slugger Brandon Belt says he does plan to play in 2024 and could have a new home soon.
Per 'The Athletic:'
Brandon Belt confirmed via text to The Athletic that he is “definitely playing this year” and he’s believed to be close to signing with a team.
We had heard a little bit about Belt's market recently: That the Texas Rangers have been interested and that the San Francisco Giants weren't interested in a reunion. There's no indication from the piece as to what team Belt may find himself playing for this year, but he'd be a help to any team looking for left-handed power at designated hitter or first base.
The 35-year-old is a 13-year veteran with the Giants and Toronto Blue Jays. He spent 12 years in San Francisco, helping them win two World Series titles before heading to Toronto in 2023. The former All-Star is coming off a year in which he hit .254 with 19 homers and 43 RBI and helped Toronto get back to the playoffs.
If the Rangers are in fact the team that wants to sign Belt, it would represent a reunion for Belt and longtime Giants' manager Bruce Bochy. Texas also has a need at designated hitter after losing Mitch Garver in free agency to the Seattle Mariners. Texas is also a majority right-handed lineup and could benefit from a lefty in there alongside Adolis Garcia, Marcus Semien and Josh Jung. Corey Seager, Nate Lowe and Evan Carter hit from the left side.
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