Toronto Blue Jays Criticized for $106M Infielder Contract

Andres Gimenez's deal considered one of the worst in baseball despite defensive versatility.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 6:36pm

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The Toronto Blue Jays have come under scrutiny for the 7-year, $106.5 million contract they gave to infielder Andres Gimenez. While Gimenez is a versatile defender who won multiple Gold Glove awards, his offensive production has declined in recent years, leading some analysts to view the deal as an overpay.

Why it matters

The Blue Jays have made several big moves in recent years to build a contending roster, but this contract for Gimenez is seen as a misstep that could hamper their ability to field a balanced and productive lineup.

The details

Gimenez, who will open the season as Toronto's starting shortstop, was previously a standout defensive second baseman, winning three Gold Gloves from 2022-2024 and the Platinum Glove as the AL's best defender in 2023. However, his offensive production has dropped significantly, with his OPS falling from .837 in 2022 to just .657 since then. While his defensive versatility still provides value, the contract is viewed as problematic due to his below-average hitting.

  • Gimenez signed the 7-year, $106.5 million contract with the Blue Jays prior to the 2026 season.
  • Gimenez won 3 Gold Glove awards from 2022-2024 and the Platinum Glove in 2023.

The players

Andres Gimenez

A versatile infielder who signed a 7-year, $106.5 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays prior to the 2026 season.

Bo Bichette

The Blue Jays' former starting shortstop who departed for the New York Mets in free agency.

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What they’re saying

“With Bichette having departed for the New York Mets in free agency, Giménez will open the season as Toronto's starting shortstop. It's great he can do that, although this is someone who won three Gold Glove Awards from 2022-2024 as a second baseman, taking home the Platinum Glove as the best defender in the AL in 2023.”

— Tim Kelly, Bleacher Report Writer

“More concerning is that since posting an .837 OPS as a member of the Cleveland Guardians in 2022, Giménez has a .657 OPS.”

— Tim Kelly, Bleacher Report Writer

What’s next

The Blue Jays will be closely watched to see if Gimenez can regain his offensive production to justify the large contract.

The takeaway

This contract for Andres Gimenez highlights the risks teams face when investing heavily in players whose value is primarily defensive, as their offensive decline can make the deal look like an overpay, even for a versatile player.