Blue Jays Land All-Star Andres Gimenez in Blockbuster Trade with Guardians
DALLAS — The Toronto Blue Jays are making waves this offseason, and their latest move is a big one. According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Blue Jays have agreed to a deal with the Cleveland Guardians to acquire All-Star second baseman Andres Gimenez. This trade signals Toronto’s determination to bounce back after a disappointing 2024 campaign.
Heading to Cleveland in the deal is infielder Spencer Horwitz, a 27-year-old who showed promise in his first full MLB season. ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel confirmed Horwitz’s inclusion in the trade, though other details of the deal remain under wraps for now.
Why This Trade Matters
The Blue Jays are clearly in “win-now” mode after a disastrous 74-88 season in 2024. Their failed pursuit of superstar Juan Soto earlier this offseason left fans wondering what the team’s next move would be. Well, now we know. By acquiring Gimenez, Toronto is adding a three-time Gold Glove winner who is widely regarded as one of the best middle infielders in the game.
Gimenez, 26, is under contract through the 2029 season as part of a seven-year, $106.5 million deal, with a club option for 2030. While his defensive skills are elite, his offensive production dipped last season. He batted .252 with a slugging percentage of .340 and was eventually moved to the lower half of Cleveland’s lineup. Still, his 30 stolen bases in 2024 highlight his value as a dynamic player.
Toronto’s Urgency to Compete
The Blue Jays are at a critical juncture as a franchise. With stars like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette both eligible for free agency after the 2025 season, the clock is ticking. Guerrero, the team’s best hitter, has yet to agree to a contract extension, and sources close to him suggest he’s uncertain about the team’s direction. Bichette is in a similar situation, leaving the Blue Jays with little room for error as they try to build a competitive roster.
Toronto’s aggressive approach this offseason reflects their desire to stay relevant in the ultra-competitive AL East. They made a significant offer to Soto before being outbid by the Mets and were reportedly in the mix for pitcher Max Fried, who ultimately signed an eight-year, $218 million deal with the Yankees. The addition of Gimenez shows that the Blue Jays are not backing down from the challenge of competing with the league’s top teams.
What This Means for Cleveland
For the Guardians, this trade appears to be a move toward managing payroll while planning for the future. Gimenez’s contract, while reasonable for a player of his caliber, may have been seen as a luxury for a small-market team like Cleveland. Rival executives had speculated earlier this offseason that Gimenez could be on the move, and now that prediction has come true.
Cleveland has some intriguing options to fill the void left by Gimenez. Last summer, the Guardians selected second baseman Tony Bazanna with the first overall pick in the draft. While Bazanna has yet to play beyond High A, he could be a long-term solution for the team. In the short term, Juan Brito, who posted an .808 OPS in Class AAA last season, could step into the role.
Meanwhile, Horwitz brings a solid bat to Cleveland. He hit .265 with a 125 OPS+ in 2024 and won’t be eligible for free agency until 2030, giving the Guardians a cost-controlled player with upside. The team is also reportedly exploring trade options for first baseman Josh Naylor and outfielder Lane Thomas, signaling that more moves could be on the horizon.
Key Takeaways
- The Blue Jays are acquiring All-Star second baseman Andres Gimenez from the Guardians.
- Spencer Horwitz, a promising 27-year-old infielder, is heading to Cleveland as part of the deal.
- Toronto is making bold moves to rebound from a disappointing 2024 season and compete in the AL East.
- Cleveland is focusing on payroll management and developing young talent for the future.
As the offseason continues, this trade could be just the beginning of a busy winter for both teams. For Toronto, the addition of Gimenez is a clear signal that they are not ready to rebuild—they’re ready to fight. For Cleveland, it’s another step in their ongoing effort to balance competitiveness with financial constraints. One thing is certain: both teams will be fascinating to watch in 2025.
Originally Written by: Jeff Passan
