The Cleveland Guardians won 92 games in 2022 and captured their first AL Central title since 2018.
They eliminated the Tampa Bay Rays in the Wild Card round before falling short in the ALDS against the New York Yankees.
One of their key contributors last season was second baseman Andres Gimenez.
The young Guardians star earned an All-Star nod and a Gold Glove for his effort last year.
On Tuesday, a big announcement was made regarding his contract status.
The Guardians and Gimenez have reportedly agreed to a seven-year, $106.5 million contract extension.
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic provided the news of the extension.
Andrés Giménez in agreement with Guardians on seven-year, $106.5M extension, source tells @TheAthletic. Deal includes $23M option for eighth year that can increase to $24M with escalators. Largest pre-arbitration contract for a second baseman. Pending physical.
—Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) March 28, 2023
Last season, the Guardians managed to lock up Jose Ramirez.
Now, they have done the same with Gimenez.
The 24-year-old hit .297 with 17 home runs, 69 RBI, 20 stolen bases, and an .837 OPS.
I’ve also posted a 7.4 WAR.
The second baseman was acquired from the New York Mets along with Amed Rosario in the Francisco Lindor deal.
The Guardians have now managed to keep both Ramirez and Gimenez in Cleveland long-term.
Gimenez was scheduled to hit free agency after the 2027 season.
Fortunately, the Guardians won’t have to worry about that and will have yet another young star alongside Ramirez that they could potentially build around to keep the team in postseason contention.
Gimenez was a key contributor for the Guardians last season and is an integral part of the team’s future.
The deal includes a $23 million option for an eighth year that can increase to $24 million with incentives and is the largest pre-arbitration contract ever for a second baseman.
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The Guardians Keep Getting Love From Analysts
