Belt Bringing Patience, Pop to Blue Jays Batting Order

Brandon went 1-for-2 in his Blue Jays spring training debut Saturday.

© Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports

DUNEDIN, FL – In many ways, the Blue Jays are blessed. Blessed with a new rotation. Blessed with a higher payroll. Blessed with a full offseason between them and a nightmarish end to last season.

Now manager John Schneider gets the benefit of a fluid lineup loaded with left-handed hitters.

"It’s definitely nice, and it’s different than what we’ve been in the past," the skipper said.

The Blue Jays front office finally carried out the long-desired revamp this winter by replacing righties Teoscar Hernández and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. with lefties Kevin Kiermaier, Brandon Belt, and Daulton Varsho.

Saturday’s afternoon game against the Orioles featured an Opening Day lineup. Well, almost. Alejandro Kirk is still loosening up after arriving at camp late, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is hitting and taking groundballs as he recovers from the knee inflammation that’s kept him out. Other than those two absences, it was a big-boy batting order.

Belt, on the mend from knee surgery last summer, made his spring debut as the designated hitter. The 34-year-old will get some first-base reps this year, but not often. The Blue Jays want his bat in the lineup, and keeping him healthy is a massive priority.

His first at-bat was vintage Belt: one swing and miss, but he got the count full and took a close pitch for ball four. There are plenty of questions around Belt this year – primarily health – but if the power and contact are zapped, the on-base ability (.356 career OBP) will still be massive. Hernández and Gurriel didn’t always have astute vision at the plate; Belt, on the other hand, is patient and methodical in the box.

✔️ Spring Training Debut
✔️ First #BlueJays Hit

Brandon Belt is here! pic.twitter.com/3Z0FXffbXF

— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) March 11, 2023

Belt doubled to deep left field (with an assist from the wind) in his second at-bat. He looked a tad labored running the bases, but he was obviously slow-playing it as he coasted into second after the two-bagger.

"It feels good to be back on the baseball field and playing competitively," Belt said after exiting the game. "I'm doing a lot of stuff on the back field, just trying to get in shape. Nice to get out there with the guys and do something."

As his career has gone on, Belt has evolved his attitude toward spring training. "Less is more," he said, and if things are coming together slowly, he's not worried. His spot on the club isn't going anywhere.

That coolness is now one of Belt's stronger qualities.

After signing a one-year deal with the Jays, Belt (right) is reunited with Gausman (center), who lauded Belt's leadership qualities / © Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

"I think it brings a calmness [to the clubhouse]," said Kevin Gausman, describing the two-time World Series winner's attitude. "That’s one thing I noticed playing with Belt in San Francisco."

Gausman shared the field with Belt on the Giants from 2020 to 2021. He remembers Belt and other clubhouse leaders, such as Buster Posey, keeping things even-keeled no matter the circumstances. A highly anticipated series against the division-rival Padres? No problem.

"Those guys aren’t tight," Gausman said, referencing Belt and Posey. "They’re loose."

And that’s what every team desires: players who rise in big moments, not crumble under the pressure. Either way, this Blue Jays squad is more balanced and has better clubhouse direction. That must count for something. As always, though, only time will tell.