Los Angeles Angels: Andrelton Simmons’ bat catching up to his glove

Well known for his defensive wizardry on the field, Los Angeles Angels’  shortstop Andrelton Simmons’ offense is finally catching up to his defense.

When the Angels acquired Andrelton Simmons from the Atlanta Braves before the 2016 season, they knew they acquired one of the best defensive players in the game. In his first four MLB seasons, Simmons won the Gold Glove award in 2013 and 2014. In 2015, he won the Wilson Defensive Player of the Year award.

The Angels gave up one of their top prospects at the time, lefty pitcher Sean Newcomb, shortstop Erick Aybar and another pitching prospect Chris Ellis. The move gave the Angels a solid set of defensive players up the middle with Simmons at short and Mike Trout in center field. Along with that pair, was right field 2015 Gold Glove winner Kole Calhoun.

Simmons hasn’t let the Angels down with his glove. He continues to impress night-in and night-out on defense. Last season, he finished tied for sixth in defensive WAR at 2.6. So far in 2017, Simmons sits tied for first in defensive WAR at 2.1.

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At just 27 years old, Simmons ranks 51st all-time in defensive WAR at 19.8. With the Braves, though, Simmons didn’t produce much on offense. The Angels knew that with the great defense, came an inconsistent bat.

As of 2017, Simmons is no longer just a defensive player. He now looks like a solid two-way player that continues to produce for the Angels with his bat.

In his three full seasons in Atlanta, Simmons never saw his average rise above .265. His career-high in home runs (17) came in 2013. In his last season in Atlanta, Simmons hit just .265/.321/.338 with four home runs, 44 RBI and 60 runs.

Last season with the Angels, he hit .281/.324/.366 with four home runs, 44 RBI and 48 runs. The right-handed hitter raised his average, but the power and run production still weren’t there.

Now in 2017, everything is going right for Simmons on the offensive end. His slash line sits at .292/.340/.450 with 11 home runs, 44 RBI and 46 runs scored, and he is easily on pace for his best offensive season.

Before this season, his highest oWAR came in 2013 at 2.4. His oWAR sits at 2.9 already this season. His overall bWAR in 2017 comes in at 4.4. That ranks eighth best amongst position players.

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So, the Angels’ defensive acquisition turned into one of the best overall players in baseball, right now, according to bWAR. At one time, it looked like Simmons might only provide a team with good defense, but now, it looks like his offense won’t lack far behind.

Statistics courtesy of baseball reference.