Cleveland, OH

Cleveland Guardians Receiving Great Value From Andres Gimenez’ $106.5 Million Contract

Published

2 years ago

April 23, 2024

Cleveland Guardians Receiving Great Value From Andres Gimenez’ 6.5 Million Contract

CLEVELAND, OH – APRIL 08: Cleveland Guardians second base Andrés Giménez (0) watches the eclipse … [+] prior to the Major League Baseball game between the Chicago White Sox and Cleveland Guardianson April 8, 2024, at Progressive Field in Cleveland, OH. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

In March 2023, the Cleveland Guardians signed Andres Gimenez, their young second baseman, to a seven-year, $106.5 million contract.

At the time he signed, Gimenez was 24-years old.

Gimenez was coming off a 2022 season when he was an American League All Star, and a Rawlings Gold Glove winner at second base.

As noted by USA Today, Gimenez earned the second-largest contract in Cleveland baseball history. Only the seven-year, $141 million contract signed by All Star Jose Ramirez in 2022.

Gimenez was rewarded for hitting .297/.371/.466/.837 with 26 doubles, three triples, 17 home runs, and 69 RBIs in 557 plate appearances. He stole 20 bases in 23 attempts.

The left-handed hitting Gimenez. now 25, won a coveted Rawlings Platinum Glove for his remarkable 2024 season.

The Rawlings Platinum Glove is awarded to the best defensive player in each league.

The contract Gimenez signed payed him a $4 million signing bonus. A total of $106.5 million is guaranteed. The average annual value of his contract is $15,214,286.00.

Gimenez’ contract pays him $5,571,429 this season.

Gimenez’ contract payments will increase every year. As indicated by Fangraphs.com, here are the payouts Gimenez will receive in subsequent seasons:

2025- $10,571,429

2026- $$15,571,429

2027- $23,571,429

2028-$23,571,429

2029-$23,571,429

The Guardians hold a club option on Gimenez’ contract for 2030, at a value of $23 million.

The Guardians have paid for three of Gimenez’ potential free agent years. A potential fourth free agent year would be purchased if the Guardians exercise their 2030 option.

Cleveland Guardians second baseman Andrés Giménez flips the ball to second base to put out Minnesota … [+] Twins’ Max Kepler during the sixth inning of a baseball game, Saturday, April 6, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Matt Krohn)

About Andres Gimenez:

Discovered by New York Mets Venezuelan scouts, Gimenez was given a $2.1 million International signing bonus by the Mets in July 2015.

At the time of his signing, Gimenez was considered to be the best hitting and fielding shortstop in Venezuela.

In addition to his play, the Mets were very impressed with Gimenez’ attitude, his makeup, and his overall temperament.

Gimenez was 16-years-old at the time he signed with the Mets.

At 6-5, 161 pounds, Gimenez is graceful and lithe on the field.

In a surprising, and consequential trade for both teams, the Mets traded Gimenez, along with outfielder Isaiah Greene, pitcher Josh Wolf, and infielder Amed Rosario to the (then) Cleveland Indians for All Star shortstop Francisco Lindor, and pitcher Carlos Carrasco.

That trade took place on July 7, 2021.

Lindor signed a 10-year, $341 million contract with the Mets in 2022.

Carrasco has returned to the (now) Cleveland Guardians as a free agent this season.

In 2021, Rosario became the Cleveland shortstop, with Gimenez playing as his middle-infield partner at second base.

Cleveland Guardians second baseman Andrés Giménez throws out Chicago White Sox’s Yoán Moncada at … [+] first base during the seventh inning of a baseball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)

Gimenez- A Defensive Wizard:

Every time this old scout sees an eye=popping play by Gimenez, it seems he has another arrow in his quiver.

Gimenez never ceases to amaze with a glove on his hand.

His acrobatic moves into right field, or even short center field are no longer surprising. He is such a marvelous defender, it is taken for granted that any ball hit on the ground to second, or behind second base that Gimenez can see, becomes an out.

To this scout, Gimenez’ first-step quickness and range are without equal in today’s game.

From 1999-2001, Cleveland fans cheered the great Robbie Alomar, a tremendous defensive middle-infielder. Alomar won two Rawlings Gold Gloves with the (then) Indians. Alomar won an astounding 10 Rawlings Gold Gloves in his 17-season career.

It is entirely possible Gimenez can equal, or even surpass Alomar in Gold Gloves.

Now, Gimenez is the middle-infield partner of fellow Venezuelan, Brayan Rocchio.

The two communicate extremely well, and appear to be able to “read” each other on the field.

Cleveland Guardians’ Andres Gimenez hits a double against the Seattle Mariners during the fifth … [+] inning of a baseball game Tuesday, April 2, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Gimenez At Bat:

While Andres Gimenez may be best known for his magical defense at second base, he is a solid left-handed hitting force at the plate.

When he is going well, Gimenez peppers line drives to his pull, right field side.

He has to remain patient at the plate. Last year, Gimenez had a tendency to “rush” his swing, losing his plate discipline along the way.

He swung at too many bad pitches, out of the strike zone.

That has changed this year.

This season, his approach seems to have returned to the very credible mechanics he used a successful year at the plate in his All Star, 2022 year.

In that season, Gimenez had a knack for knocking in the big runs. He was a force with runners in scoring position.

This season, with the Guardians beginning play April 23 with a marvelous 16-6 record, Gimenez has been at the center of both run production, and defensive run denial.

A clutch hitter, Gimenez is hitting .293 with five doubles, and a triple in 95 plate appearances this season. He has struck out only 12 times in his 21 games played..

If he continues his current more measured approach, it is likely Gimenez can reach heights that far exceed his solid 2022 year at the plate.

Conclusions:

Given the length and value of his contract, Andres Gimenez could become a true force for the Guardians.

He can end up with multiple Gold Gloves, and even additional Platinum Gloves.

Gimenez may continue to provide an offensive spark in a lineup that features Steven Kwan, Jose Ramirez, and Josh Naylor as the offensive core of the Guardians.

With his treasured, and favored glove restored after undergoing emergency repairs, Gimenez is still dazzling in the field.

Guardians fans have to be elated with the All World, Platinum level defense, and clutch offense they witness from their second baseman.

The Guardians are receiving “eye popping” play on both sides of the field, as Gimenez is off to a great start to the new season.

Ultimately, the $106.5 million contract signed by Andres Gimenez could be a bargain.

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Cleveland, OH

Iran strikes spark debate among Northeast Ohio residents

Published

7 hours ago

March 2, 2026

Press Room

Iran strikes spark debate among Northeast Ohio residents

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – The Cleveland Liberation Center and nearly 100 other organizations rallied in Cleveland Sunday to protest the U.S. strikes on Iran, demonstrating significant grassroots opposition to the military action.

The recent U.S. military strikes on Iran and the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, have ignited passionate discussions across the nation, and Northeast Ohio is no exception.

While state political leaders express support for President Donald Trump’s actions, local activists are raising urgent questions about the impact on American communities.

Dallas Eckman, a public school teacher and volunteer coordinator with the Cleveland Liberation Center, is taking a clear stance against the recent attacks.

“We need to step up as Americans and say violence is not going to be the way we solve out world’s problems,” Eckman said.

The frustration runs deeper for Eckman, who sees a disconnect between military spending and domestic priorities.

“It’s absurd that for me as a public-school teacher I am struggling to get funding for chrome books and books. I can wake up one morning and see we have spent millions and millions of dollars to bomb another country,” he explained.

Eckman questions whether these military actions actually benefit working people in Cleveland.

“Which does nothing for the working people here in Cleveland. It does nothing to make my schools safer. It does nothing to improve the road right outside the liberation center,” Eckman said.

Eckman’s concerns are shared by many in the region.

Despite local opposition, several Ohio’s political leaders are backing the Trump administration’s decision.

Senator Bernie Moreno released a statement expressing his support, stating, “President Trump sought for months to avoid conflict and negotiate with Iran to prevent them from rebuilding their nuclear program. I fully support his decision.”

Secretary of State John Husted also voiced his approval.

“For 47 years, the Iranian regime had ample opportunity to be a productive member of the global community — instead, it chose to export death, terrorism, extremism, and instability against America and our allies,” Husted said.

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Cleveland, OH

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Brooklyn Nets prediction, pick for Sunday 3/1/26

Published

19 hours ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Brooklyn Nets prediction, pick for Sunday 3/1/26

Cooper Albers takes you through his preview, prediction and pick for Sunday’s NBA matchup between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Brooklyn Nets.

Eastern Conference rivals close their regular-season series on Sunday, as the Brooklyn Nets host the Cleveland Cavaliers at Barclays Center.

The Cavaliers (37–24, 4th East) have dropped back-to-back games without Donovan Mitchell and James Harden, albeit against far superior competition. They’ll aim for the three-game sweep of Brooklyn without Mitchell, while Harden remains questionable.

The Nets (15–44, 14th East) are mired in a brutal seven-game losing streak, including a 112–84 thumping in Cleveland on February 19.

Here’s a look at the Injury Report:

Cleveland Cavaliers

Out: Donovan Mitchell (Groin), Max Strus (Foot), Dean Wade (Ankle)
Questionable: James Harden (Thumb), Keon Ellis (Finger)

Brooklyn Nets

Out: Egor Demin (Heel), Drake Powell (G-League Assignment)
Questionable: Nic Claxton (Thumb)

Tipoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET. Cleveland enters as a hefty 11.5-point road favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook, while Brooklyn sits as a +410 underdog. The game’s total is set at 222.5 points.

Cavaliers vs. Nets Preview

Cleveland Cavaliers Preview

The Cavaliers went all in at the NBA trade deadline, sending Darius Garland to Los Angeles for superstar guard James Harden. The gamble seemingly paid off, as the former MVP has fit seamlessly into the lineup alongside Donovan Mitchell. Cleveland went 6–1 after Harden’s debut, its lone loss coming against the defending champs in Oklahoma City.

But the momentum quickly stalled when both Harden and Mitchell hit the sidelines to nurse injuries. Cleveland has dropped back-to-back games in the star duo’s absence against Milwaukee and Detroit. And while Harden is listed as questionable for Sunday’s contest with a thumb fracture in his non-shooting hand, Mitchell remains out with a groin strain.

The Cavs are just 2–4 without Mitchell this season. If Harden stays out, they’ll likely keep relying on their accomplished frontcourt of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Cleveland also features a solid veteran backup point guard in Dennis Schroder, along with a reliable sharpshooter in Sam Merrill.

Brooklyn Nets Preview

Brooklyn has won five games in 2026. Five.

Were any of these wins particularly impressive? Hardly. They beat a Nikola Jokic-less Denver Nuggets, the spiraling Chicago Bulls twice, the lowly Washington Wizards, and the tanking Utah Jazz.

The Nets rank dead last on both ends of the floor since January 1, disappointing even by their standards. They’ve lost seven games in a row, punctuated by a 37-point walloping in Boston on Friday night.

Michael Porter Jr. will continue trying to carry an increasingly strained offense without rookie standout Egor Demin. Brooklyn will also lean on its burgeoning frontcourt, comprising Noah Clowney and Nic Claxton (questionable).

Cavaliers vs. Nets Pick, Best Bet

Keep an eye on the injury report for this one. If Harden remains sidelined, Cleveland may lack the offensive firepower to pull away. But if the former MVP suits up, expect him and the Cavs to carve up Brooklyn’s porous defense and comfortably cover the 11.5-point spread.