The Cleveland Guardians signing Andres Gimenez to an extension was the right call

The Cleveland Guardians have unofficially signed Andres Gimenez to a massive contract.

The Cleveland Guardians are making sure that their core of players stays in place for as long as possible. Following last years signing of Jose Ramirez to a seven-year deal, the Guardos have done it again, this time inking Andres Gimenez to a new deal that starts next season. While not confirmed yet by the team, MLB.com’s Mandy Bell claims the deal is worth $106.5 million.

The deal also comes with an option for year number eight, which means that Gimenez could be in Cleveland until he’s 32 years old. Making this a deal that gives the Guardians control over the second basemen all through his prime. A prime that already sees him with a Gold Glove and an All-Star nod at just 24 years old.

He’s not the only player to come to a new extension on Tuesday, as reliever Trevor Stephan has also gotten inked to a long-term deal as well, though the details of which are currently unknown.

The Cleveland Guardians are still discussing extensions

The Cleveland Guardians are doing the smart thing by signing younger talent, and over-paying them slightly before they hit the prime of their career, as opposed to spending hundreds of millions of dollars on guys over 30.

That’s why they’re still working on deals with shortstop Amed Rosario, starting pitcher Triston McKenzie and outfielder Steven Kwan. Locking up productive players to long-term deals, will not only ensure the team’s future success but will help ease some of the tension with the fanbase, who mistakingly claims the team doesn’t spend money.

An interesting name that isn’t being mentioned is Shane Bieber. Bieber, who is turning 28 in May, probably wouldn’t be seen as a candidate to receive a seven-year contract at this point in his career, at least from the Guardians. He’ll be 35 and pitchers don’t usually stay at an elite level that late into their careers.

Some do, clearly, but usually, through injuries or just age, their pitches lose zip. It’s possible that Bieber gets an extension but it’s also possible that he gets traded as well. He’s an unrestricted free agent in 2024, so a trade may be very likely if a new deal can’t be agreed upon.