March 24, 2023

By Zulfi Sheikh

Centennial Sports Journalism Student

DUNEDIN, Fla. – Manuel Beltre is ranked 20th on the Toronto Blue Jays top prospects list on MLB.com, but he’s prouder of his high character and impact on team culture.

He credits his parents for instilling in him the desire to care for others without expecting anything in return.

“I think it comes from my family, mostly from my mom and dad,” he said, at the Blue Jays’ rebuilt practice facility. “They always tell me that whoever needs help, just help them. Doesn’t matter about money or what they can do for you.”

Proof that the 18-year-old Dominican truly lives by that mantra: the R. Howard Webster Award for best teammate on the FCL Blue Jays, as voted on by his teammates and staff. It’s a title he believes outshines just about any other form of recognition out there.

“It’s amazing, I think that award is better than a Silver Slugger or Gold Glove,” Beltre said. “It shows people that I’m a good player but also a good teammate. If you need someone to talk to … I’m going to be here for you. You have a friend here, and not just a teammate.”

Then there’s his deep fandom for the team. The Santo Domingo native grew up a Blue Jays fan because of his dad’s love of a Latin-American Hall of Famer on the team and their history of Dominican born players.

“The main reason why I’m a fan is because of my dad,” he said. “My dad really likes Roberto Alomar, and he was his favourite player. He even taught me how to slide into home plate like him.”

Alomar’s sliding form wasn’t the only thing Beltre picked up from notable Blue Jays of the past. His favourite player to watch growing up was Josh Donaldson, and it was mostly because of the way the 2015 AL MVP presented himself.

“He was cool! He had the leg kicks, the bombs, the bat flips, Beltre said. “When I was 12, I used to see him do his stance and the swag he had at the time that not a lot of people had, and I wanted to be like that guy.”

The young shortstop can often be seen walking around the Blue Jays training facilities in his all-red shoes and his colourful gloves, so it’s safe to say he’s got the swagger part covered.

After joining the club in 2021 through international free agency, Beltre spent time in the Dominican Summer League. In 2022, he played 54 games in the Florida Complex League, batting .250 with a .357 on-base percentage.

Beltre is poised to join a full-season team in 2023 and for Blue Jays fans to get to know him.

“I’m a funny guy,” he said. “People say baseball is boring, but I’m going to make it fun. Stay tuned because I’m coming to Toronto really soon.”