The Toronto Blue Jays pivoted from their failed pursuit of free agent outfielder Juan Soto in a major way Tuesday, reportedly agreeing to acquire second baseman Andres Gimenez from the Cleveland Guardians, according to multiple reports.
The return is not yet known.
BREAKING: The Toronto Blue Jays are finalizing a trade to acquire three-time Gold Glove-winning second baseman Andrés Giménez from the Cleveland Guardians, sources tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 10, 2024Day 2 of the Winter Meetings started slowly in the morning but picked up quickly in the afternoon. The Jays were also active on the free agent front, re-signing right-handed relief pitcher Yimi Garcia to a two-year contract.
Gimenez, 26, is under contract through 2029 under the terms of a seven-year, $106.5 million extension he signed with Cleveland in March 2023.
Gimenez is a career .261 hitter with 49 home runs and 222 RBIs over parts of five major league seasons. Primarily known for his glove, Gimenez has won three consecutive Gold Glove awards at second base (2022-24). Defense comprised the bulk of his 4.3 Wins Above Replacement, per FanGraphs, over the last three seasons.
In 2024, Gimenez slashed .252/.298/.340 in 152 games, hitting nine home runs and stealing 30 bases in 35 attempts.
More news: After Whiffing on Juan Soto, Blue Jays' Plan Hinges on One Player: Report
Cleveland acquired Gimenez in the Jan. 2021 trade that sent Francisco Lindor and Carlos Carrasco to the New York Mets. His future was somewhat cloudy after the Guardians used the first overall pick of the 2024 draft on a second baseman, Oregon State's Travis Bazzana.
Now, Bazzana can remain at his natural position while Gimenez can bring stability to a Toronto infield that could potentially see first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and shortstop Bo Bichette depart in free agency in a year.
More to come on this story from Newsweek Sports.
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