Toronto Blue Jays Acquire All-Star 2B Andres Gimenez from Cleveland Guardians, Send Spencer Horwitz in Return

In a significant move to bolster their roster, the Toronto Blue Jays have agreed to a trade with the Cleveland Guardians to acquire All-Star second baseman Andres Gimenez, according to sources. In return, the Guardians will receive infielder Spencer Horwitz, who is 27 years old and just completed his first full MLB season in 2024.

Andres Gimenez, 26, is a highly regarded middle infielder known for his defensive prowess, having won three Gold Gloves. He is currently in the midst of a seven-year, $106.5 million contract that runs through the 2029 season, with a club option for 2030. Despite his impressive defensive skills, Gimenez’s offensive production has been a subject of discussion, with a batting average of .252 and a slugging percentage of .340 last season.

Spencer Horwitz, who is heading to Cleveland, had a notable first full MLB season, batting .265 with a 125 OPS+. He is arbitration eligible in 2027 and won’t hit free agency until 2030. Horwitz’s performance makes him a valuable addition to the Guardians’ lineup.

The trade is part of the Blue Jays’ efforts to retool their roster after a disappointing 2024 season. The team had previously attempted to sign superstar Juan Soto but were outbid by the New York Mets. The Blue Jays are also facing the potential loss of key players like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette, who are eligible for free agency in the near future.

The Guardians, meanwhile, have been preparing for the future with recent draft picks, including second baseman Tony Bazanna, who was selected with the first overall pick last summer. However, Bazanna has not yet played beyond High A, and the Guardians may look to other players, such as Juan Brito, to fill the gap left by Gimenez.