Atlanta Braves shortstop Andrelton Simmons is one of the smoothest fielders in the game and possesses a productive bat. But his time in Atlanta has run out, as he is reportedly on his way to the Los Angeles Angels.
Continue for updates.
Simmons Traded to Angels
Thursday, Nov. 12
Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com reported the move. According to the New York Post‘s Joel Sherman, the Braves received top pitching prospects Sean Newcomb and Chris Ellis, along with shortstop Erick Aybar and “about” $3 million.
Buster Olney of ESPN.com, citing sources, previously reported the Angels were “among the teams” talking to Atlanta regarding Simmons, adding that Erick Aybar is under contract for only one more season.
Rockies Did Not Pursue Simmons
Thursday, Nov. 12
Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post reported the Colorado Rockies were not involved in trade discussions for Simmons.
Braves Asked for Top Starter from Mets
Thursday, Nov. 12
Joel Sherman of the New York Post reported New York inquired on Simmons, only to be told it would take either Matt Harvey or Jacob deGrom in return. Sherman added there was “no way” the Mets would meet those demands.
Dodgers Had Interest in Simmons
Thursday, Nov. 12
Sherman reported on the Los Angeles Dodgers‘ interest, adding that talks are at “very early stages.”
Padres Expressed Interest in Simmons
Wednesday, Nov. 11
According to the San Diego Union-Tribune‘s Dennis Lin, the San Diego Padres called the Braves about Simmons but were nowhere near a deal.
Simmons Has Developed Into One of Baseball’s Best Defensive Players
The 26-year-old batted .265 with four home runs and 44 RBI in 2015, but it’s his play in the field that has left the biggest mark. On Wednesday, he was named the 2015 Wilson Defensive Player of the Year for all position players, according to David O’Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
O’Brien delved into Simmons’ fielding prowess:
Simmons, widely regarded as the best defensive shortstop since Ozzie Smith and Omar Vizquel, has won the Fielding Bible and Wilson awards as the majors’ best shortstop in all three of his full major league seasons. He had won consecutive National League shortstop Gold Gloves before the surprising announcement Tuesday that the San Francisco Giants’ Brandon Crawford had edged him out for this year’s award.
Simmons has the range to make any grounder look like a possible out and a cannon of an arm to gun down even the speediest of runners. MLB on Twitter highlighted one of his finest plays in the field:
With the kind of play Simmons has shown over his first four seasons, the Braves might be getting a few more offers for their shortstop. While it might be difficult dealing one of the team’s brightest stars, getting multiple assets may address more glaring problems within the Braves roster.
Stats courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com.
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