Why would the Cleveland Guardians trade a 26-year-old second baseman who has already won three Gold Gloves?

That’s what fans were asking this week when the team traded Gimenez to the Toronto Blue Jays.

Money is the “usual suspect,” as Gimenez is set to make nearly $100 million over the next several years. But it’s not that simple.

The Guardians are trying to maximize their offensive production at every position, and Gimenez hit only .252 last year.

Another reason is Cleveland’s depth in the middle infield. Juan Brito should be able to hold down second base until No. 1 overall draft pick Travis Bazzana is ready to take the job.

PITCHING IS EVERYTHING

Cleveland is in desperate need of starting pitching. Matthew Boyd and Alex Cobb shored up the rotation this year, but they have moved on to the Cubs and Tigers, respectively.

Re-signing Shane Bieber was an encouraging move, but he won’t be ready until the second half of the season.

So Cleveland immediately sent Spencer Horowitz (“Who? Oh yeah, the guy we got from Toronto”) to Pittsburgh for right-handed starter Luis L. Ortiz.

The Guardians need solid innings from Ortiz, a 25-year-old who posted a 3.32 ERA for the Pirates last year.

He could be the No. 4 starter behind Tanner Bibee, Ben Lively, and Gavin Williams while the Guardians wait for Bieber to return.

MORE GUARDIANS NEWS

Radio announcer Tom Hamilton was honored with the Ford C. Frick Award, placing him in the announcers’ wing of the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Hamilton debuted in the early 1990s alongside Herb Score. When he took over as lead announcer, he added strong opinions to go with his exciting commentary style.

Cleveland baseball legend Rocky Colavito passed away at the age of 91. He hit 40 homers three times and racked up 100 RBI six times.

Here’s a fun stat from @NotGaetti: Rocky is one of six players to record a season of 45 homers, 140 RBI, a .400 on-base percentage, and 75 strikeouts or fewer.

He did this in 1961. The other five guys? Joe DiMaggio, Lou Gehrig, Rafael Palmeiro, Ted Kluszewski, and Babe Ruth!