Not much went right for the Blue Jays on Opening Day. While most of the 12-2 beatdown at the hand of the Orioles was hard to watch, there was one positive sign from the game.
After being acquired from Cleveland in the offseason, Andrés Giménez hit a two-run home run in his Blue Jays debut. Unfortuantely, that was the only offense Toronto was able to get, as players like Bo Bichette failed to show up.
While it's only been one game, Giménez has set the bar high early and is proving why he's been a beneficial signing.
This new Blue Jay has already proven his worth
Welcome to Toronto, Andrés!
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) March 27, 2025
His first #BlueJays homer 💪 pic.twitter.com/ZQAilOX9zk
If the 26-year-old Giménez can keep it up with his bat, he'll be the whole package for the Blue Jays. Both his defense and offense against the Orioles were on point Thursday, as we witnessed his defensive prowess as he helped nab Cedric Mullins on a steal attempt.
Alejandro Kirk let off a strong throw and Giménez positioned himself perfectly. It was a thing of beauty. The Giménez-Kirk relationship on stolen base attempts this season will be thrilling to watch.
Giménez also hit in the cleanup spot (a position he'd only hit in four times prior) and showed off his power with his two run shot.
The three-time Gold Glove winner cashed in with two outs on hanging slider from Zach Eflin. While Toronto's trade for Giménez may not have gotten as much attention as their signing of Anthony Santander and Jeff Hoffman, it was still a solid pickup for the Blue Jays. In addition, we can't forget about his speed as he's stolen 99 bases in his career. He's also stolen 30 bases in back-to-back seasons.
Andrés Giménez snags the liner to end the inning 🫴
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) March 21, 2025
📺: Sportsnet pic.twitter.com/b9cfclmu5k
His versatility, offense, speed, and high-caliber defense are what ultimately make him the whole package. And making sneaky defensive plays at second is nothing new for him.
While the Blue Jays struggled in every part of their game against the Orioles, Giménez showed off why he made it to an All-Star game and got a big-time contract extension from the Guardians.