San Francisco Giants: Brandon Belt ready to retire if right offer not there
By David Hill
San Francisco Giants first baseman Brandon Belt knows that he is in a tough spot.
The long time Giants’ first baseman is facing uncertainty as to his future for the first time this offseason. He is slated to enter free agency at the end of this season as he is coming off of his third knee surgery. It is not an ideal situation at all.
San Francisco Giants first baseman Brandon Belt understands reality of his situation
For his part, Belt says that he feels like “a brand new person” following his surgery. However, he will turn 35 years old at the beginning of the 2023 season and is coming off of a second injury plagued campaign. At the same time, he knows his playing days, both in San Francisco in particular and in the majors in general, could be coming to an end. While he said that he would love to remain in San Francisco, he understands if the team wants to move on. If that happens, he would need to receive the right offer if he is going to continue his career.
One can understand the reluctance to play elsewhere. Belt has been a part of the Giants organization since he signed as a fifth round selection in the 2009 MLB Draft. He has been a part of two championships in San Francisco, a steady part of the lineup who could be counted on as an above average bat and excellent glove.
At the same time, Belt has not exactly performed well when he has been on the diamond. He had produced a disappointing .213/.326/.350 batting line in his 298 plate appearances, hitting just eight homers and nine doubles. His 91 OPS+ is the worst mark of his career, and coupled with a career worst 86.7 MPH average exit velocity, it is fair to wonder what he has left in the tank.
It is possible that this most recent surgery will get Belt back on track. And it is possible that he could be a bargain for whatever team he plays for next. However, if he does not get the type of offer he is looking for, and the fit he desires, he is willing to walk away.
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San Francisco Giants first baseman Brandon Belt is facing plenty of uncertainty this offseason. Retirement could be on the table as an option.