There is no doubt about the defensive abilities of new Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Andres Gimenez.
The big question is whether the 26-year-old Venezuelan can turn things around after two tougher years at the plate.
“That’s what I’m working on right now in the off-season, trying to get everything in place mechanically and my approach,” Gimenez said Wednesday. I think I can be very successful if I get it right. »
Gimenez participated in a 25-minute late afternoon media availability after being traded to the Blue Jays last week in a trade with the Cleveland Guardians.
The Blue Jays also acquired reliever Nick Sandlin in exchange for infielder Spencer Horwitz and minor league outfielder Nick Mitchell.
The trade made Toronto’s solid defense even better. But it didn’t seem to improve an offense that struggled through most of a 74-win season (74-88) in 2024, which was good for last place in the AFC East. .
Gimenez made his major league debut in 2020 with the New York Mets, but he blossomed two years later with the Guardians, when he had a .297 batting average with 17 homers and 69 RBIs.
Gimenez also showed an .837 ERA in 2022, when he was selected to the All-Star Game. He also finished sixth in voting for the American Most Valuable Player award.
He won the first of his three consecutive Gold Gloves that year, but his offensive statistics began to decline during the following campaign.
Gimenez’s batting average has since hovered around the .250 mark while his GPA, on-base and power percentages have steadily declined.
He got off to a good start on offense last year, but he couldn’t sustain that production. Gimenez said it was difficult to make batting changes mid-season, especially when the team was playing well.
“I’m looking forward to starting off with a great offensive performance and trying to maintain that throughout the year,” he said.
One of new hitting coach David Popkins’ tasks next year will be to try to unlock anything that might be stifling Gimenez’s offensive skills.
His left-handed swing will be welcomed in a batting order that includes a lot of right-handers. Gimenez also stole 30 bases in each of the last two seasons.
The trade also gave the Blue Jays some insurance, should shortstop Bo Bichette be traded or leave as a free agent after the 2025 season.
Gimenez, who is under contract through 2029, played shortstop in the minor leagues before moving to second base.
“I just try to be very consistent in all aspects,” he said. The sport as a whole: hitting, running, stealing bases, playing defense. I try to raise my game to help my team win. »
Sandlin has also been an important addition for the Blue Jays, as they look to add depth to their bullpen. Stopper Jordan Romano was not retained, but Yimi Garcia will return after recently signing a two-year contract.
Horwitz, meanwhile, posted solid offensive numbers in a short period of time last season. The Guardians quickly traded him to the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The Torontonians will begin their preparatory schedule on February 22, against the New York Yankees. The Blue Jays will open their season at home on March 27, against the Baltimore Orioles.
