Andrés Giménez became an All-Star last season. He is about to get paid like one.
The smooth-fielding second baseman has agreed to terms on a long-term contract with the Cleveland Guardians, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press on Tuesday.
Giménez, who batted .297 and won a Gold Glove for the AL Central champions last season, could sign the deal within days, according to the person who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the contract won’t be finalized until he passes a physical.
ESPN reported that Giménez has agreed to a seven-year, $106.5 million package that includes a club option for an eighth year. It’s the largest pre-arbitration deal ever given to a second baseman.
Gimenez signed a one-year deal worth $739,400 earlier this month.
A year ago, Cleveland announced All-Star third baseman José Ramírez’s seven-year, $141 million new contract on the eve of opening day.
The Guardians also gave multiyear deals to closer Emmanuel Clase and center fielder Myles Straw last spring before baseball’s youngest team went 92-70 and won the division going away.
The 24-year-old Giménez has quickly developed into one of the league’s best all-around middle infielders. He hit 17 homers, drove in 69 runs and stole 20 bases last season and was one of four Gold Glove winners for Cleveland.
Giménez came to the Guardians in 2021 as part of the trade that sent shortstop Francisco Lindor to the New York Mets. He arrived along with shortstop Amed Rosario, and the two have allowed the Guardians to remain among the league’s top teams despite parting with another All-Star player.
Cleveland’s McKenzie shelved with injury
Guardians starter Triston McKenzie could be sidelined for two months with a shoulder strain.
The team said an MRI in Goodyear, Arizona, revealed a strain of his right teres major muscle (back of the shoulder). McKenzie will be shut down from throwing for two weeks and then re-evaluated.
The Guardians estimated it will be eight weeks before he’s back.
McKenzie was scheduled to start Cleveland’s second game in Seattle on Saturday.
He was removed from an exhibition start Sunday against the Cincinnati Reds after one inning when he felt tightness in his right triceps.
The 25-year-old right-hander went 11-11 with a 2.96 ERA in 31 games last season, striking out 190 in 191 1/3 innings. He’s 18-21 with a 3.64 ERA in 60 starts over three seasons.
Brewers send Hiura to Triple-A Nashville
The Milwaukee Brewers outrighted infielder Keston Hiura to their Triple-A affiliate in Nashville on Tuesday after he cleared waivers.
The move means the former UC Irvine standout will remain with the Brewers organization after they had designated him for assignment.
Hiura, 26, had an outstanding rookie season in 2019 but hasn’t been able to recapture that form. He batted .226 with 14 homers and 32 RBIs in 80 games last season and struck out in 111 of his 266 plate appearances.
He has a .238 career batting average with a .318 on-base percentage, 50 homers and 132 RBIs in 284 games. In 2019, he hit .303 with 19 homers and 49 RBIs in 84 games while posting a .938 OPS.
Hiura began his career as a second baseman but primarily has played first base since 2021. He also played five games in left field last season.