The Cleveland Guardians and All-Star second baseman Andrés Giménez have agreed to a seven-year, $106.5 million contract extension.  According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the deal begins in 2024 and includes a 2031 club option, and covers three arbitration years and potentially five free-agent seasons if the team picks up the 2031 option.

An international free agent in 2015, the Venezuelan native began his MLB tenure with the New York Mets during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. The Mets traded him after the season to Cleveland alongside infielder Amed Rosario and minor leaguers Isaiah Greene and Josh Wolf for shortstop Francisco Lindor and starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco.

Giménez struggled as a part-time player in 2021, hitting just .218 in 68 games. However the 24-year-old broke out as one of Cleveland’s top players in 2022, earning All-Star and Gold Glove honors last year after hitting .297 (.837 OPS) with 17 home runs, 69 RBI and 20 stolen bases. He ranked fifth among all American League players in defensive WAR (wins above replacement) at 2.4, and finished sixth in American League Most Valuable Player voting and Gimenez’s strong defensive play also earned him his first Gold Glove.

Cleveland’s 2023 season kicks-off on Thursday, March 30th on the road against the Seattle Mariners.

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