Andres Gimenez, Guardians finalizing long-term contract extension
It was roughly one year ago that the Guardians signed star third baseman Jose Ramirez to a long-term extension. Now, as Opening Day 2023 approaches, the team is on the verge of locking another key member of the infield into a long-term deal.
The Guardians and All-Star second baseman Andres Gimenez are finalizing a long-term contract extension, according to an ESPN report. Gimenez was already under club control through the 2026 season prior to any extension. The deal, according to the report, is for seven years and $106.5 million and includes a club option for the 2031 season.
Gimenez had a breakout 2022 season in which he finished sixth in AL MVP voting, two spots behind Ramirez, and was the starter at second base for the AL in the All-Star Game. He finished with a .297 average, a .371 on-base percentage, 17 home runs, 26 doubles, 69 RBIs and 20 stolen bases. He also won a Gold Glove at second base, and his 7.4 bWAR ranked third in the American League.
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Details of the extension have not yet been officially announced. Last year, the team also signed closer Emmanuel Clase and center fielder Myles Straw to long-term deals.
The Guardians have also had extension talks with Triston McKenzie — who will now be out for potentially the next two months — Steven Kwan, Amed Rosario and Trevor Stephan, according to a report by The Athletic.
Ryan Lewis can be reached at [email protected]. Read more about the Guardians at www.beaconjournal.com/sports/cleveland-guardians. Follow him on Twitter at @ByRyanLewis.
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