Venezuela-born and current Guardians second baseman Andres Gimenez has won his third straight Gold Glove and is also in consideration for his second straight platinum glove.
Gimenez has seen nothing but success since he joined the Guardians after being traded to them for Francisco Lindor. Signed by the Mets on July 2, 2015, out of Barquisimeto, Venezuela, he was known as a plus defender and contact bat.
He shined in Dominican League rookie ball, hitting over .340 over 60 games. Once traded to the Guardians, he struggled to start and was sent to the minors after hitting only .218.
After a stint in the minors, he came up a new player and hasn’t looked back since. In his first full season in 2022, Gimenez slashed a strong line of .297/.371/.466 in route to his first Gold Glove and All-Star appearance.
Following the 2022 season, Gimenez returned to his home country to play winter ball in the LVBP for the Cardenales de Lara, where he only hit .216.
Gimenez was selected to play for Venezuela in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, where he recorded five hits in 17 at-bats. However, Venezuela fell short in the quarterfinals against the United States.
In 2023, Gimenez would continue to shine with his glove, not only taking home a gold glove but also being awarded the Platinum Glove for the American League. The Platinum Glove is awarded to the best defender in each league.
2024 would be no different. Following a good season at the plate, hitting .252, Gimenez would once again be awarded the gold glove at second base, making it three straight years he has earned the honor.
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Photo Credit: (Photo by Ron Schwane/Getty Images)
