Chris Antonetti, the Cleveland Guardians president of baseball operations, executed a trade with the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday night.
The Guards are sending second baseman Andrés Giménez, the winner of the last three Gold Glove awards in the American League, to the Jays in exchange for infielder Spencer Horwitz.
Reliever Nick Sandlin is also included in the transaction and will join Giménez on their way to Toronto, and outfield prospect Nick Mitchell is going to Cleveland with Horwitz.
“Full trade agreed to between the #BlueJays and Guardians… Toronto gets: 2B Andres Gimenez, RHP Nick Sandlin. Cleveland gets: 1B Spencer Horwitz, OF Nick Mitchell,” Jays insider Keegan Mathieson posted on X.
Full trade agreed to between the #BlueJays and Guardians…
Toronto gets:
2B Andres Gimenez
RHP Nick SandlinCleveland gets:
1B Spencer Horwitz
OF Nick Mitchell— Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) December 11, 2024
There are no cash considerations involved, so the Guardians effectively offloaded Giménez’s remaining $100 million over the next five years.
That in itself should be considered a win.
Giménez is a phenomenal defender but his wRC+ slipped all the way to 83 this year.
He is showing that his 2022 campaign was a fluke offensively.
Sandlin is a fine reliever but the Guards have the depth to endure his loss, plus Trevor Stephan should be back at some point next year.
Horwitz is a nice get for Cleveland.
He can play first and second base, even though he is not a terrific defender.
He can hit, though: the power is not huge, but he has produced at every level and that includes the majors.
In 381 MLB plate appearances, he returned a 127 wRC+.
He should be a useful player for manager Stephen Vogt.
Mitchell is a 21-year-old outfielder who posted a 129 wRC+ in 22 games at Single-A in 2024.
All things considered, it’s a solid deal for Cleveland.
Now, they should have more money to pursue a free agent pitcher or two.
NEXT: Guardians Trade Defensive Wizard To Toronto In Shocking Deal
