Blue Jays' Gimenez named best defender in all of MLB
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When the Toronto Blue Jays traded for Andres Gimenez, they knew they were an elite defender and three-time Gold Glove winner. But just how good is their new second baseman?
According to a new player survey, the answer is very. Gimenez finds himself in a tie for top spot with the Mets Francisco Lindor. Former Blue Jays third baseman Matt Chapman was also on the list, coming in at number four.
And looking at the numbers, it is easy to see why Gimenez is thought of so highly.
Since becoming a full-time player in 2022, Gimenez has posted +52 Outs Above Average, which is the second highest amongst all players during that span. Additionally, he led the majors last season with +21 OAA.
And in 2023, he became the first second baseman to win the Platinum Glove, given to the best defender in either league.
When asked, many players heaped praise on the Venezuelan. One anonymous player from the central division was even thankful for the trade to Toronto, as it meant his chance of getting a hit against Cleveland had improved.
Now that he's not in the division, maybe I'll actually get a hit when we play Cleveland.
AL Players are the only ones taking notice of Gimenez. Over on the senior circuit, one NL pitcher was quick to point out that despite his defensive prowess, Gimenez tends to go overlooked.
He could be at any infield position and be elite. The fact that he's a second baseman, I think he gets overlooked.
On top of his defence, the Blue Jays are banking on resurgence with the bat, now that he is in the more hitter-friendly Rogers Centre. An elite glove plus 15 home runs? Those don't come around too often, if at all.
| POLL | ||
MARS 14 | 68 ANSWERS Blue Jays' Gimenez named best defender in all of MLB Who do you think the best defensive player in MLB is? | ||
| Andres Gimenez | 45 | 66.2 % |
| Francisco Lindor | 5 | 7.4 % |
| Bobby Whitt Jr | 5 | 7.4 % |
| Matt Chapman | 13 | 19.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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