The free agent market may be picking up steam again.
Late on Monday, the Toronto Blue Jays added a key veteran bat to their lineup, signing longtime San Francisco Giants first baseman and slugger Brandon Belt to a one-year deal.
The deal is worth $9.3 million.
Belt enjoyed successful seasons in 2020 and 2021, hitting .309 and .274, respectively.
The slugger also hit 29 home runs in 2021.
But the 34-year-old saw his production dip in 2022, as he hit just .213 with eight home runs and 23 RBI.
On Twitter, Blue Jays insider Kaitlyn McGrath reported the news of Belt’s new deal with the team and the financial terms.
The deal is for one year, $9.3 million, per a source https://t.co/J9vDSFZoxc
— Kaitlyn McGrath (@kaitlyncmcgrath) January 10, 2023
The Blue Jays had traded Teoscar Hernandez to the Seattle Mariners earlier this offseason and were in need of a few bats.
Over the holidays, the team acquired Daulton Varsho from the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Belt gives them some power from the left side as well as another option at first base should Vladimir Guerrero Jr. need a day off from the field.
Belt could also serve as a designated hitter.
The Austin native made his MLB debut in 2011 and was a key piece in the Giants World Series runs in 2012 and 2014.
The slugger also has an All-Star selection to his name.
Toronto won 92 games during the regular season, but fell short against the Seattle Mariners in the American League Wild Card Series, losing Game 1 and squandering an 8-1 lead in Game 2 as their season came to an abrupt end.
But with the addition of Belt, they have a little extra offensive firepower in their lineup.
