The Blue Jays and Guardians have struck a surprising deal at the Winter Meetings, swapping four players in a trade that sends second baseman Andrés Giménez to Toronto. Alongside Giménez, the Blue Jays acquire reliever Nick Sandlin, while Cleveland receives infielder Spencer Horwitz and outfield prospect Nick Mitchell. No money is involved in the transaction, meaning Toronto takes on the remaining five years of Giménez’s contract.
This move comes as an unexpected twist, as there had been little indication that Cleveland was shopping Giménez, a Gold Glove second baseman and key part of their roster. Just two years ago, Giménez signed a seven-year, $106.5 million extension, one of the largest deals in Guardians history. The trade marks another significant chapter in his career, which began with the Mets before he was sent to Cleveland in the Francisco Lindor and Carlos Carrasco deal during the 2020-21 offseason.
Giménez’s time in Cleveland has been a mixed bag. After a rocky first season, he broke out in 2022, excelling both offensively and defensively. That year, he earned his first Gold Glove, slashed .297/.371/.466 with 17 home runs in 557 plate appearances, and finished sixth in AL MVP voting. This success led to his substantial extension, as the Guardians envisioned building their infield around him and José Ramírez.
However, Giménez has struggled to replicate his 2022 performance. While it was unlikely he’d maintain his high .353 BABIP or league-leading 25 hit-by-pitches from that breakout year, his offensive production has declined more significantly than Cleveland might have expected. Over the past two seasons, his numbers at the plate have fallen below league average, which likely factored into the Guardians’ willingness to part ways with him.
Toronto, meanwhile, hopes to tap into Giménez’s defensive excellence and rediscover his offensive potential, while Cleveland looks to bolster its roster with Horwitz and Mitchell, who offer future upside. This trade underscores both teams’ willingness to make bold moves as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Source: https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/12/blue-jays-guardians-finalizing-trade-for-andres-gimenez.html
This move comes as an unexpected twist, as there had been little indication that Cleveland was shopping Giménez, a Gold Glove second baseman and key part of their roster. Just two years ago, Giménez signed a seven-year, $106.5 million extension, one of the largest deals in Guardians history. The trade marks another significant chapter in his career, which began with the Mets before he was sent to Cleveland in the Francisco Lindor and Carlos Carrasco deal during the 2020-21 offseason.
Giménez’s time in Cleveland has been a mixed bag. After a rocky first season, he broke out in 2022, excelling both offensively and defensively. That year, he earned his first Gold Glove, slashed .297/.371/.466 with 17 home runs in 557 plate appearances, and finished sixth in AL MVP voting. This success led to his substantial extension, as the Guardians envisioned building their infield around him and José Ramírez.
However, Giménez has struggled to replicate his 2022 performance. While it was unlikely he’d maintain his high .353 BABIP or league-leading 25 hit-by-pitches from that breakout year, his offensive production has declined more significantly than Cleveland might have expected. Over the past two seasons, his numbers at the plate have fallen below league average, which likely factored into the Guardians’ willingness to part ways with him.
Toronto, meanwhile, hopes to tap into Giménez’s defensive excellence and rediscover his offensive potential, while Cleveland looks to bolster its roster with Horwitz and Mitchell, who offer future upside. This trade underscores both teams’ willingness to make bold moves as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Source: https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/12/blue-jays-guardians-finalizing-trade-for-andres-gimenez.html
