Insider Links Free Agent Veteran To Toronto Blue Jays

The Toronto Blue Jays are just about done with their offseason machinations at this point, but they still could be looking for another left-handed bat. 

MLB Insider Jon Morosi today said on a Toronto-based podcast that former long-time San Francisco Giants first baseman (and now DH) Brandon Belt is a player the Jays could be targeting.  

"With the Blue Jays, in particular, I do think Belt could be a good fit, because Toronto still, even with the arrival of (Daulton) Varsho, could add one more left-handed bat. You look at the way their infield sets up, they were able to add a left-handed bat (Varsho) without necessarily eliminating the possibility of adding a DH bat. For me, the Jays could add one more lefty bat and Belt jumps out to me."

To Morosi's point, Belt has always performed better against right-handed pitchers throughout his career, as an above-average hitter against RHP, but 16% below average against southpaws. 

Belt will be entering his age-35 season, and has had a tough time staying healthy in recent years. He's played 150 games only once in the past five full seasons. Last year, he got into just 78 games, and in 2021, only 97. 

He did post a massive .975 OPS with 29 home runs when he did play in '21, and a 1.015 OPS in the shortened 2020 season. Belt, however, struggled more last season, with just 8 HR and a .676 OPS. He has spent his entire 12-year career with the San Francisco Giants. He has an .814 lifetime OPS and a solid OPS+ of 123 (23% better than average).

Photo: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports