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Andres Gimenez Joins Team Venezuela for 2026 World Baseball Classic Ahead of Season
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- Andres Gimenez Joins Team Venezuela for 2026 World Baseball Classic Ahead of Season
The Toronto Blue Jays have much of the supporting cast from last year's group returning as they look to run it back for the 2026 MLB season.
That includes infielder Andres Gimenez , whose first year with the club went incredibly well. The 27-year-old arrived via trade from the Cleveland Guardians last winter in a move many viewed as a salary dump, yet he quickly proved to be far more valuable than expected.
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Gimenez delivered excellent defense for Toronto, recording a fielding run value of six according to Statcast's Baseball Savant , and he is now expected to take over at shortstop after Bo Bichette departed for the New York Mets in free agency.
Gimenez also had a strong postseason in 2025, collecting 14 hits, two home runs and 12 RBIs across 18 playoff games. Toronto has unquestionably received meaningful production from him.
Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Andres Gimenez (0) Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images
As the 2026 season approaches, much of the baseball world has shifted its attention to the upcoming World Baseball Classic. The international tournament, held once every four years, is generating even more excitement this time around thanks to the number of MLB stars committing to play.
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Vladimir Guerrero Jr ., the face of Toronto's franchise, will suit up for the Dominican Republic, and several other Blue Jays have elected to represent their home countries as well.
Earlier this week, the Blue Jays announced that Gimenez has made his decision too, officially joining Team Venezuela for the tournament.
The rosters were finalized on Thursday, and Gimenez earned his spot, giving Venezuela another steady defender and giving Toronto another player entering the season with meaningful competitive reps.
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The tournament is scheduled for March, which means Gimenez's participation will not interfere with his availability for Opening Day.
This will also mark his second time representing Venezuela after appearing in the 2023 event, giving him familiarity with the international stage and the pride that comes with wearing his country's colors.
His future in Toronto remains secure as well, as he is still in the middle of his seven-year, $106.5 million contract extension that runs through 2029 with a club option for 2030.
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For the Blue Jays, Gimenez enters 2026 with stability, experience and valuable game action already behind him as he prepares for another important season.
Related: Daulton Varsho Shares New Partnership Ahead of 4th Season With Blue Jays
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 7, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
