toronto’s ALCS Run Fueled by Former cleveland Guardians
Toronto has advanced to the American League Championship series, and their roster features a notable contingent of players previously integral to the Cleveland Guardians organization. Myles Straw,Andres Gimenez,and Shane Bieber have joined George Springer as former Guardians now vying for a World Series title with the Blue Jays.
The influx of Cleveland talent to Toronto has sparked interest among Guardians fans, prompting reflection on past trades and player growth. Straw arrived in Cleveland via a 2021 trade involving Phil Maton and Yainer Diaz,subsequently signing a five-year,$25 million contract extension in 2022. Across four seasons with Cleveland, the defense-first outfielder slashed .240/.308/.610 before being traded to Toronto this past offseason, where he recently contributed a clutch RBI in Game 4 of the ALDS against the Yankees. Gimenez was acquired in the 2020 trade that sent Francisco Lindor to the Mets, earning three Gold Glove Awards at second base during his four years with the Guardians and posting a .261/.321/.714 slash line. He was traded to Toronto this offseason for Luis ortiz and Spencer Horwitz, though he experienced a down year, hitting .197 in the second half. Moast recently, pitcher Shane Bieber joined the Blue Jays following a seven-season tenure with Cleveland, highlighted by a Cy Young Award, a pitching triple crown, two All-Star Game appearances-including being named MVP of the 2019 game hosted in Cleveland-and a near-MVP finish in 2020.
bieber went 4-2 with a 3.57 ERA in seven starts for Toronto after being dealt mid-season,arriving as the Guardians navigated a challenging season marked by pitching injuries and gambling allegations. While his Game 3 start against the Yankees wasn’t his sharpest,he is expected to be a key contributor as the Blue Jays pursue a championship. The presence of so many former Guardians players makes Toronto a team many Cleveland fans will be watching closely as the ALCS unfolds.
