Latest injury update on Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Andres Gimenez, transition to full-time shortstop

Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Andres Gimenez begins his first full season at shortstop today as Toronto opens Grapefruit League play against the Phillies, and the opportunity arrives at an important moment in his tenure with the club.

Manager John Schneider has frequently called Giménez one of the premier defensive infielders in the sport, perhaps the very best.

The accolades back that up. The 27-year-old owns three Gold Gloves and a Platinum Glove for his work at second base, establishing himself as an elite defender on the right side of the infield.

Health played a significant role in his first year with Toronto. Giménez required nearly six months to recover from the high ankle sprain he suffered last July.

He returned in mid-August and slid over to shortstop when Bichette was injured just before the postseason.

Even then, he was far from 100 percent, battling through lingering ankle and hamstring issues.

Giménez steps into the shortstop role full-time following the departure of longtime Blue Jays star Bo Bichette, who signed with the New York Mets in free agency.

Toronto is confident in Giménez’s ability to handle the position defensively, but maintaining his usual Gold Glove standard over a full season at shortstop will be closely watched.

Toronto is not worried about his defensive transition. Giménez routinely trains at shortstop during the offseason, even in years when he ultimately shifts back to second base during spring training. The comfort level is there.

The bigger question surrounds his bat — and the answer could shape the franchise’s outlook well beyond 2026.

The injuries showed up at the plate. Giménez finished his first season with the Blue Jays hitting .210 with a 70 wRC+, both career lows.

For a player once known for being a dynamic two-way contributor, it was a difficult offensive campaign.

Giménez remains under club control through 2030, with more than $85 million guaranteed on his contract.

He is one of only six Blue Jays currently locked into a guaranteed deal for the 2029 season, underscoring how central he is to the organization’s long-term plans.

Even if his offensive numbers remain modest, his defensive value alone could justify much of that investment.

Still, when Toronto acquired him at the 2024 Winter Meetings, the hope was that his bat would more closely resemble the version from 2022, the year he posted a 141 wRC+ and received MVP consideration.

Since that breakout season, his offensive production has declined each year.

As the Blue Jays open their Grapefruit League schedule today with left-hander Eric Lauer set to face Philadelphia, Giménez’s transition to everyday shortstop will be one of the most compelling storylines in camp.

How comfortably he commands the position is important. How much he rebounds offensively may matter even more.

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