This offseason (so far) has been one that Toronto Blue Jays fans would just as soon forget. Toronto has missed out on several big-name players they have shown interest in, yet still have not made that blockbuster signing that most fans have been expecting. Although it's been a rather mild winter in Toronto (at least in terms of free agent signings), fans should be thankful that the Blue Jays did not make an impulse signing to supplement what they missed out on.
Toronto could have targeted former New York Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres. The infielder was coming off of a down-year in the Bronx after being one of the top players in the league at his position during the early-part of his career.
Looking at what Torres received (one-year, $15 million) after his 2024 performance should make Blue Jays fans slightly more grateful for Andres Giménez, who was acquired through a trade with the Cleveland Guardians during the MLB Winter Meetings in December. Although both infielders are owed the same amount for 2025, Giménez comes with a lot more positives than Torres.
Blue Jays were correct in avoiding Gleyber Torres in favor with Andres Giménez
Giménez offensive upside is just as good as Torres'. In 2022, Giménez posted a .837 OPS, 17 home runs, and 69 runs driven in along with a 141 wRC+. That, paired with Giménez's Glove Glove-caliber defense, generated a 6.1 fWAR in 2022.
The best season from Torres came all the way back in 2019, where he slugged 38 home runs with an .871 OPS and 121 wRC+. Torres' paltry defense actually hurt his overall value to the Yankees that season and he ended his 2019 campaign with 3.4 fWAR.
Defense goes a long way, and although Giménez's bat hasn't matched his 2022 produced over the last two seasons, his glove more than makes up for it. Giménez is a much more well-rounded player than Torres. Giménez has a club option for 2030, giving Toronto plenty of long-term security at second base.
Toronto made the right decision at second base, but they should not call it an offseason just yet. Adding Giménez may have improved the Jays' defense, but the lineup still has a lot of holes if Toronto is going to compete in 2025.