Blue Jays and Guardians finalizing trade that will send second baseman Andres Jimenez ESPN’s Jeff Passan reports that he will fly to Toronto. Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet tweeted that a deal for Jimenez has been agreed upon.
This is the first sudden trade of the winter meetings. While it’s never completely shocking to see Cleveland trade a high-priced player, there isn’t much to suggest they are shopping the Gold Glove second baseman. Jimenez appears to be the team’s core player, as he signed one of the largest contracts in franchise history two seasons ago: a seven-year, $106.5MM extension in spring training in 2023.
Instead, the defensive stunner left for the second time in his career. Jimenez began his career with the Mets, where his well-rounded profile made him one of the system’s top prospects. Cleveland acquired him at the same time Amed Rosario as a key part of their return Francisco Lindor and Carlos Carrasco During the 2020-21 offseason.
Jimenez struggled in his first year in Cleveland, but he had a breakout year in 2022. Jimenez also had a strong home run season, hitting .297/.371/.466 with 17 home runs in 557 plate appearances. He was a worthy All-Star and finished sixth in American League MVP voting.
Following that breakout season, the Guardians re-signed Jimenez. It remains the second-largest investment in the organization’s history, not far off the $124MM deal. Jose Ramirez Inked the previous spring. Cleveland will certainly want to build their long-term infield around this duo.
More coming soon…
