Andrés Giménez is still making plays for John Schneider, but the Blue Jays can no longer ignore what his bat is doing to the lineup.
That is the heart of the latest Jays Journal argument, and it is hard to dismiss. Giménez has taken over as Toronto's starting shortstop after Bo Bichette's exit, but the full result has been much more complicated than just plugging an elite defender into a premium position.
The glove is real. Jays Journal noted Giménez has 7 outs above average, good for the 98th percentile, along with 6 fielding runs saved at shortstop. Those are big-time numbers, and they explain why the Blue Jays have stayed committed to him there.
But this is where the problem gets loud. His offense has not come close to matching the defensive value.
Jays Journal reported that Giménez entered Friday with a 73 OPS+ and a 76 wRC+, putting him more than 20% below league average at the plate. For an everyday player, especially one playing under a $100 million contract, that is a hard line to carry for long.
The split against left-handed pitching is even rougher. Giménez is slashing .197/.269/.328 against southpaws in 2026, which is exactly the kind of profile that turns a regular into a lineup drag on certain nights.
And this is not just about one cold month. Jays Journal pointed out he posted a .494 OPS in May, and while June has been a little better, it still has not changed the bigger picture.
Toronto may need a bat without giving up Giménez's glove
That is what makes this tricky. Giménez still helps the Blue Jays win in the field. The question is whether Toronto can keep playing him every day at shortstop without adding a better offensive answer somewhere around him.
Jays Journal floated a few paths. Luis Arraez would work if Ernie Clement became the everyday shortstop. Gleyber Torres could fit as a second-base option against lefties, again with Clement shifting over. The piece also mentioned bigger swings like Jeremy Peña or Willy Adames if those doors ever opened.
That tells you where the Blue Jays are heading. This is not really a dump-Giménez conversation. It is a what-do-they-do-with-the-infield-now conversation. His defense is too valuable to ignore, but his hitting has not been strong enough to leave untouched.
For Schneider, that is the real challenge. He has a shortstop who can save runs, but not one who is producing enough at the plate to lock down the spot without debate.
That is why this has become a deadline issue. Andrés Giménez still looks like a useful player. He just does not look like a Blue Jays everyday shortstop they can leave unchanged if they are serious about upgrading the offense.
Should the Blue Jays look for an infield upgrade over Andrés Giménez at the deadline?
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