The Cleveland Guardians sent, a couple of days ago, second baseman Andrés Giménez and reliever Nick Sandlin to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for infielder Spencer Horwitz and outfield prospect Nick Mitchell
Then, a few hours later, the Guards flipped Horwitz to the Pittsburgh Pirates for starting pitcher Luis L. Ortiz and young left-handers Josh Hartle and Michael Kennedy.
Giménez was a big part of the so-called “Guardians Ball”: he won a starting gig at second base after coming over from New York in the Francisco Lindor trade in 2021.
He broke out in 2022 with a 141 wRC+, but slipped to 96 in 2023 and 83 this past season.
The Guardians had extended him before the 2023 campaign, but after two down seasons offensively, they found a taker for the $97.5 million he is still owed over the next few years and pulled the trigger.
Classic and respectful as he always is, Giménez wrote a heartfelt goodbye to Cleveland and its fans on his Instagram account.
Andres Gimenez pens note to fans on his Instagram account. pic.twitter.com/t2sEuP26wl
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) December 13, 2024
“Cleveland, it has been a privilege to be a part of this amazing organization and fanbase, and I’m incredibly grateful for my time here. This team has given me so many unforgettable memories and has been a truly special chapter in my life,” he said about the city and the team.
“To the fans, your passion, support, and energy fueled me every step of the way. Cleveland will always hold a special place in my heart. Thank you for making this journey so meaningful.”
Giménez has some sneaky power and 30-steals speed.
The problem is that hitting for average and, particularly, getting on base is challenging for him.
His defense is not only elite: he is very likely the best second baseman in MLB with a glove on his hand.
He won three straight Gold Gloves and the Platinum Glove in 2022, not to mention the Fielding Bible award.
The team has some promising offensive performers who can take over at the keystone, though, and decided to create more salary room by trading him.
It’s the cruel business of baseball.
NEXT: Guardians Analyst Identifies Number 1 Candidate To Reinvest Andrés Giménez Money
