Jays Trade for Andres Giménez and Nick Sandlin

The Jays have traded for Andres Giménez and reliever Nick Sandlin from the Guardians. Apparently, Spencer Howitz and minor-league outfielder Nick Mitchell are going the other way. Who else is still a question.

Giménez is a terrific defensive second baseman. He’s won the Gold Glove at second the last three years. In 2022, he was a terrific batter as well, hitting .297/.371/.466 with 17 home runs and 20 stolen bases. He hasn’t hit as well in the last couple of years. Last year, he hit .252/.298/.340 with 9 home runs, an 82 OPS+ (with 30 steals). It looks like we are still trying for the team Gold Glove. He is 26.

Sandlin is a right-handed reliever. He had a 3.75 ERA in 68 games. In 57.2 innings he allowed 46 hits, with 27 walks and 68 strikeouts (27.6% strikeout rate), a .222/.325/.435 batting line. In four seasons he has a 3.27 ERA in 209 games. He is turning 27 in January.

I thought we were deep enough at second base, but we added defense and speed in Giménez and a much-needed arm in Sandlin.

Giménez is signed through 2030, with an option for 2031. He’s to make $10,571,429 in 2025. $15,571,428 in 2026. then $23,571,429 the next three seasons. In 2030 it is $23 million. 2031 is a $23 option with a $2.5 million option for 2031.

Horwitz hit .265/.357/.433 in 97 games for the Jays. He turned 27 in November. I enjoyed watching him, but I don’t know how much better he’ll get.

Mitchell was a fourth-round pick in 2024 for the Jays. He played 22 games in Dunedin last year, hitting .289/.350/.467 with 4 home runs. He’s 21.

It isn’t the bat we were hoping to get.