Brandon Belt Looks Back on 2023 Blue Jays + Looking Forward to 2024 w/ Ben Nicholson-Smith

Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith joins JD to discuss the Blue Jays’ Opening Day win in Tampa, José Berríos’ impressive outing on the mound, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s majestic homer and encouraging swing decisions, which Blue Jays players bear the most pressure in 2024, and why he’s bullish on Toronto's offence this season. Then, JD shares his thoughts on the Maple Leafs’ 5-1 win over the Capitals, Joseph Woll’s strong performance, and the response from the “Core 4” after Sheldon Keefe’s public criticism earlier this week (42:54). Later, JD is joined by Brandon Belt, former Blue Jays DH/first baseman, to chat about his future, the lack of offers/interest that materialized in free agency, his level of dialogue with the Blue Jays’ front office during the winter, the team’s offensive struggles last season, his relationship with the Jays’ young stars, and why the team’s offence hit a snag at Rogers Centre in 2023 (50:11). JD closes the show by weighing in on Simon Benoit’s three-year contract extension and the fallout from Thursday’s Sweet 16 games in the NCAA Tournament (01:25:55). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.