The Toronto Blue Jays are buying infielder Andrés Giménez from the Cleveland Guardians, per a number of studies. The Blue Jays can even be receiving right-hander Nick Sandlin, The Athletic studies. Sandlin, who turns 28 in January. In 4 MLB seasons, has pitched completely in reduction with a 3.27 ERA and 4.41 FIP throughout 195 ⅓ innings. On the Cleveland aspect, Sportsnet studies that 1B/2B Spencer Horwitz and minor-league outfielder Nick Mitchell will probably be going to the Guardians. Horwitz, nonetheless, was nearly instantly despatched to the Pirates in a reported separate deal that sends pitchers Josh Hartle, Luis Ortiz and Michael Kennedy to Cleveland.
Giménez, 26, is coming off a 2024 season in Cleveland during which he slashed .252/.298/.340 (82 OPS+) with 9 residence runs and 30 stolen bases. For his profession, Giménez has an OPS+ of 101 with a WAR of 18.6 throughout elements of 5 MLB seasons. He’s additionally a standout defender at second base and has three straight Gold Gloves to his credit score. In 2022, what might stand as a profession 12 months with the bat for Giménez, he earned an All-Star choice and completed sixth within the American League MVP vote.
Giménez goes into the third-year of a seven-year, $107.5 million contract extension. He’s owed roughly $97 million over the following 5 seasons, and his contract contains $23 million crew choice/$2.5 million buyout for 2030. The Blue Jays have been in want of stability and improved protection at second base, and Giménez definitely offers that.
He’ll now be part of a Blue Jays infield anchored by first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and shortstop Bo Bichette, each of whom are free brokers after the 2025 season.
Horwitz, 27, bats from the left aspect and has a slash line of .264/.355/.428 throughout elements of two big-league seasons. Mitchell, a 21-year-old former fourth-rounder, had an OPS of .816 at Low-A in 2024, his first skilled season.
Toronto was closely concerned within the bidding for prime free agent Juan Soto, who finally agreed to a $765 million cope with the Mets. The commerce for Giménez marks the Jays first main transfer since their efforts to signal Soto got here to grief. Doubtless, it is not going to be their final as they try to rebound from a disappointing 2024 season.
