Jays Set to Acquire Gimenez From Guardians (Report)
Jeff Passan and Ken Rosenthal are reporting that the Toronto Blue Jays are set to acquire three-time Gold Glove-winning 2nd baseman Andres Gimenez from the Cleveland Guardians.
The trade marks Toronto's first big splash at the Winter Meetings in Dallas.
MORE TO COME
Neither team has confirmed the trade, which would be the 2nd blockbuster deal in Gimenez' career.
In 2021, he came to Cleveland in the trade that sent Francisco Lindor to the New York Mets.
Gimenez blossomed into a star with the Guardians, becoming an All-Star in 2022 and winning three consecutive Gold Gloves.
No word yet on who is going the other way, but this affect players like Will Wagner and Orelvis Martinez the most.
While the Blue Jays have a Gold Glove winner in Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and a Gold Glove finalist in Ernie Clement, having an elite defender like Gimenez up the middle will clearly enhance the Blue Jays overall defensive metrics.
While his offensive numbers are slightly below average for a 2nd baseman, last year Gimenez hit .252. with nine home runs and 63 RBIs to go along with an 82 OPS+ and a 4.0WAR, Gimenez was acquired with the purpose of making the Blue Jays a better defensive team.
His best campaign came in his All-Star 2022 season, one where he hit .297. with 17 home runs, 69 RBIS, along with a .371. OBP and an OPS+ of 143.
If Gimenez can re-discover his power stroke in the hitter-friendly compound that is Rogers Centre, he could be a game changer for the Blue Jays.
Gimenez is under contract with The Guardians until the 2030 season, so he could be the Jays 2nd baseman for the foreseeable future.
