Game Instincts Elevate Andres Gimenez

Andres Gimenez suffered an offensive dropoff during a season spent at Double-A Binghamton, but his performance in the Arizona Fall League suggested that he had perhaps rediscovered his stroke.

The 21-year-old shortstop hit .371 to win the AFL batting title, going 26-for-70 with two home runs and 15 RBIs. He also led the AFL with a .999 OPS.

Gimenez began the year regarded as the Mets’ top prospect, but his stock dipped somewhat after he hit .250/.309/.387 in 117 games in the Eastern League.

He hit nine home runs, 22 doubles and five triples while stealing 28 bases in 44 attempts.

Defensively, Gimenez is considered major league ready.

“He can catch the baseball,” a Mets talent evaluator said. “He’s got instincts and he is a baseball player. He does little things to help you win games. He will move the runner along without hesitating.”

The evaluator noted that Gimenez sacrifice bunted in the AFL, a rarity among players just trying to show scouts they can hit.

“But here is a kid who took it upon himself to bunt guys along and that is what kind of player he is,” the evaluator said.

“He can play either side of the bag at second, he played all shortstop in Arizona because he was our primary guy, but I saw him play second base this summer and he can handle that. And I just think with a little rest and little strength he’s got a chance to hit. He’s got good plate discipline. He chased more this summer than he did a year ago.”

Gimenez’s defensive instincts were on display with a play this summer in which he turned a line-drive out into a double play. According to the evaluator, Gimenez, with runners on first and second and one out, took a step in and then back on a line drive, letting the ball bounce. Gimenez stepped on second for the force play before spinning and throwing to third to get the lead runner.

“Who knows that?” the evaluator said. “Who knows to do that?”