Brandon Belt is currently rehabbing his surgically repaired knee in San Francisco, but he made time to join Mike Krukow and Duane Kuiper in the broadcast booth during Wednesday’s Giants-Braves game.
In his first public comments since his season-ending surgery, Belt said he feels like a “brand new person.” He said he wants to continue playing, but acknowledged the reality that his career may not continue in a Giants uniform.
“It was tough going into that surgery because I couldn’t get it right,” Belt, 34, said in the booth. “It was swelling up every day, that was the problem. It was feeling so weak, there was nothing I could do to make it stronger. But it feels really good now and I’m optimistic about it.”
Belt had undergone multiple procedures on his right knee prior to the Sept. 3 one. He’d also gotten it drained at least three times during the season to mitigate inflammation.
The chronic knee issues limited Belt to the lowest batting average (.213) and OPS (.676) of his career this season. He hit just eight home runs in 78 games.
Around the time of his surgery, Belt told The San Francisco Chronicle that the injury made him contemplate the possibility of retirement.
But now, post-surgery, Belt’s tone is more resurgent than reluctant.
“I think if I was able to get my knee strong and it wouldn’t swell up anymore, I feel like I’d be productive like I was the previous two years,” Belt said. “That’s what I get excited about, because I know I have a lot left in me. That’s what I want to show everybody — my body feels good. I’ve had a problem with me knee, but if I get that to to where it needs to be, I’ll be the same productive player.”
Since Belt accepted the qualifying offer, he’s set to hit free agency this winter. The Giants have publicly made it clear that they want to get younger, healthier and more athletic, and Belt’s future with the club was in question even independent of that objective.
The 12-year veteran said that while “there’s really nowhere else I want to play, we’ll see what happens.”
“It’s a business, you know, stuff happens,” Belt said. “I don’t know what’s going to happen. All I know is I’m going to get as strong as I can and get ready to play baseball next year.”
Belt didn’t forget to thank Krukow and Kuiper, and they thanked him for his two World Series rings.
“Y’all are the best in the business, and I really mean that,” Belt said. “If I don’t get a chance to play in front of y’all again, it’s been an honor. I’ve really enjoyed it. Y’all have the best calls in the game. Y’all are awesome and y’all do it the best.”