Blue Jays Make Historic Announcement After Nationals Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | Last updated Mar 31, 2025 11:11 PM ET

The Toronto Blue Jays defeated the Washington Nationals by a final score of 5-2 on Monday night at Rogers Centre. Improving to 3-2 with the win, Toronto was again led by All-Star second baseman Andres Gimenez who slugged his third home run on the season.

Acquired from the Cleveland Guardians in an offseason trade, Gimenez is primarily known for his defense. A three-time Gold Glove Award winner, Gimenez also won the 2023 American League Platinum Glove Award.

An All-Star in 2022 when he posted a career-high .837 OPS, Gimenez regressed offensively the last two seasons, rating below league average as a hitter each year.

With three home runs in his first five games with the Blue Jays, Gimenez made franchise history, per an announcement from the team.

"Andrés Giménez is the first player in franchise HISTORY to hit 3 homers in his first 5 games with the team," the Blue Jays announced on Monday evening.

Andrés Giménez is the first player in franchise HISTORY to hit 3 homers in his first 5 games with the team! pic.twitter.com/i4TaX1fHTn
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) April 1, 2025

Gimenez hit just nine home runs all of last season, finishing with an 82 OPS+ that left Cleveland uncomfortable with the remaining money on the seven-year, $106 million contract they signed him to. Had Gimenez maintained his 2022 production, he would likely still be in Cleveland, but he seems to be regaining that form early in his Blue Jays tenure.

Beginning his career with the New York Mets, Gimenez was sent to Cleveland in the Francisco Lindor trade. The latter is a perennial MVP candidate in New York, while Gimenez is among the league's best defensive players who is now finding his swing again.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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