The Toronto Blue Jays will be sending out a different starting shortstop for the first time in eight years after losing Bo Bichette to the New York Mets in free agency.
The Blue Jays began the offseason blistering hot, signing Dylan Cease and Kazuma Okamoto, but whiffed on bringing in a star outfielder like Kyle Tucker or Cody Bellinger. Toronto seemed ready to let Bichette walk in free agency after loading up its roster, and will turn to 27-year-old infielder Andrés Giménez to fill the hole left behind by the two-time All-Star.
Giménez is a former All-Star himself, and is “embracing” the opportunity to replace Bichette for the Blue Jays.
“I like that responsibility,” Giménez said, per Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi. “Obviously for me personally, it’s kind of like a challenge. I did it before. I moved to second and accepted that challenge to get the best numbers I can get to help the team. So at this stage of my career, getting moved again to shortstop, I’m accepting the challenge and embracing it.”
Giménez is entering the fourth season in his seven-year, $106 million contract, and is under team control through the 2030 season. In 101 games with the Blue Jays last season, the veteran infielder slashed .210/.285/.313 with seven home runs and 35 RBIs.
Giménez has spent the majority of his career at second base, but does have experience at shortstop. Though the 27-year-old may not provide the same level of offense as Bichette did, he boasts a far superior glove, winning three Gold Glove awards. It’s hard to imagine one single player reproducing the impact that Bichette has, but the Blue Jays should be in a good position after all of their offseason additions.
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