Second baseman Andres Gimenez agreed to a seven-year, $106.5 million contract extension with the Cleveland Guardians, sources told ESPN on Tuesday. The deal includes an eighth-year option.
Gimenez proved to be a crucial player for the Guardians over the course of the previous season, making the All-Star team for the first time and winning a Golden Glove. He also finished third in the AL with 7.4 wins above replacement. He hit .297/.371/.466 with 17 home runs and 20 stolen bases last season.
Currently sporting one of the five lowest payrolls in the MLB, the Guardians are bent on remaining competitive despite not splashing cash on high-profile signings as many of their competitors do. Following their 2016 AL pennant, Cleveland’s payroll rose to more than $120 million, however, the team is now expected to pay $90 million in salaries in 2023.
Aside from Gimenez, the Guardians have also pursued long-term deals with starter Triston McKenzie, outfielder Steven Kwan, and shortstop Amed Rosario.
