Skysport Report: Brewers HC confirm another giant superstar leave due to…

The Milwaukee Brewers are currently in the market for a first baseman or designated hitter possessing formidable power and on-base capabilities, and an intriguing option that fits this profile is veteran Brandon Belt. However, cautious consideration is warranted before pursuing Belt as a potential acquisition.

One potential obstacle lies in the Brewers’ plan to utilize William Contreras and Christian Yelich as designated hitters throughout the upcoming season. Belt spent a mere 29 games at first base in 2023, primarily functioning as a designated hitter.

Additionally, approaching the age of 36 in the spring, Belt’s age could be a factor in assessing his suitability for the Brewers’ roster. Furthermore, despite impressive surface-level statistics from the previous season, Belt exhibited some notable and potentially irreversible flaws in his swing.

Despite these concerns, there are positive aspects to consider. Due to the mentioned drawbacks, Belt may be available for a reduced salary, potentially less than the modest $9.3 million he earned with the Blue Jays in 2023.

Moreover, Belt boasts a career batting line of .261/.357/.460 and demonstrated even better performance in 2023. His success is not solely attributed to luck, as his overall hitting approach and batted ball tendencies have contributed to his sustained success.

Throughout his career, Belt has been recognized as a fly-ball hitter, and even his ground balls maintain a higher launch angle than typical grounders. This attribute has historically held value, but with the recent ban on infield shifts, the significance of low line drives and high-launch ground balls has notably increased.

Belt, whether intentionally or by coincidence, experienced an accentuation of this batted ball profile, particularly on his hardest-hit balls, resulting in fewer unproductive fly balls and an increase in high-value line drives.

In conclusion, while there are legitimate concerns regarding Belt’s age, defensive role, and potential swing issues, his availability at a reduced cost and consistent track record of offensive production make him a viable option for the Brewers as they seek to bolster their lineup with power and on-base capability.

Careful evaluation of Belt’s fit within the team’s strategy will be crucial in determining the feasibility of pursuing him this offseason.