Cleveland Guardians Extend Andres Gimenez In Near-Record Deal

Cleveland’s all-star second baseman has reportedly signed the second largest contract in franchise history.

On the eve of the anniversary of the Cleveland Guardians announcing they had signed their franchise cornerstone player to the biggest deal in team history, Cleveland fans have another reason to be fired up for baseball season.

A source told MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand that Cleveland is on the precipice of locking up all-star second baseman Andres Gimenez to a massive contract extension. It’s being reported that he will sign a seven year, $106.5 million deal to remain in Northeast Ohio and that the deal includes a club option for an eighth season.

Last year, Jose Ramirez and the Guardians reached a deal as the team was departing their Spring Training home to begin the season. Fans had been frustrated with the lack of a splashy move during the labor stoppage-abbreviated offseason, but were rejuvenated by Ramirez’s record-fashion commitment to Cleveland.

Now almost a year-to-the-day later, fans are rejoicing again in the fact that Gimenez isn’t going anywhere.

Acquired from the New York Mets organization in a deal that sent Francisco Lindor to the National League, Gimenez took a little bit of time to get his footing in the Majors. But once he did, he was unbelievable.

He was arguably the most reliable clutch hitter in the American League last summer, posting a .297 average and a .837 OPS. He hit .387 with two outs and a runners in scoring position and was almost as proficient in tie games. In addition to earning the all-star nod, Gimenez won the A.L. Gold Glove and finished sixth in MVP voting.

Team President Chris Antonetti eluded to a chance of the Guardians signing at least one contract extension before they broke camp this spring. Trevor Stephen, Triston McKenzie, Steven Kwan and Amed Rosario have all been rumored to be in extension talks with the team, but Gimenez is the first one to commit to Cleveland for the long haul.