Toronto Blue Jays acquire second baseman Andres Gimenez in trade with Cleveland Guardians

The Toronto Blue Jays have secured the services of three-time Gold Glove-winning second baseman Andres Gimenez (26) and relief pitcher Nick Sandlin (27) in a trade with the Cleveland Guardians on Tuesday.

In exchange, the Guardians will receive infielder Spencer Horwitz (27), who is set to begin his third season. (Update: Horwitz is now being traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates, while the Guardians will acquire pitchers Josh Hartle, Luis Ortiz, and Michael Kennedy.)

Last season, Gimenez recorded a batting line of .252/.298/.340/.638 for the Guardians, contributing nine home runs, 63 RBIs, and 30 stolen bases. The Venezuelan player achieved a career-high of 147 hits this past season and earned his third Gold Glove award.

Two years ago, the Guardians signed Gimenez to a seven-year, $106.5 million contract extension, but he will now aim to complete the remaining five years in Toronto.

Sandlin concluded the season with an impressive 8-0 record as a relief pitcher for the Guardians, maintaining a 3.75 ERA while allowing 46 hits over 57.2 innings pitched. He achieved a career-high of 68 strikeouts last season, closely mirroring his performance from the 2023 season.

Horwitz is now poised to become a promising new infielder for the Pirates. The former 24th-round draft pick recorded an impressive .265/.357/.433/.790 slash line for the Blue Jays last year, contributing 14 home runs, 40 RBIs, and 42 walks in 328 at-bats.

The Maryland native experienced his first extended season in the major leagues last year, having played only 15 games during his rookie season in 2023.

SportsLigue