Toronto Blue Jays eyeing Andrelton Simmons: what’s the effect on the infield?

According to reports, the Toronto Blue Jays are interested in free-agent Andrelton Simmons. How could he fit into the young Blue Jays infield? How does it affect Bo Bichette?

The list of shortstops on the free-agent market is pretty thin in quantity, but there is lots of quality. Andrelton Simmons is one of four true shortstops on the free-agent market alongside Marcus Semien, Didi Gregorius, and Freddy Galvis. The Toronto Blue Jays showed interest in trading for Simmons before the trade deadline this past season, and seem keen on signing him in the offseason.

The former Angels shortstop is 31-years-old and played only half of the games during the 2020 regular season. Simmons battled injuries in 2020 and even had issues in 2019. This is a bit of a concern for any team interested in bringing Simmons on board, but his four Gold Glove Awards standout. Simmons has also won a Platinum Glove Award and Wilson Defensive Player of the Year. Interestingly enough, he has not been selected as an All-Star yet.

Besides Simmons, there are rumors that the Blue Jays are also interested in Francisco Lindor or Didi Gregorius. I would not be surprised if Marcus Semien was also thrown into the Blue Jays conversation. What is most shocking about this information is that the Blue Jays have Bo Bichette. It is not like Bichette retired, or got traded, or played badly in 2020. The young shortstop has had a great start to his career and has a .307 batting average over two seasons.

The Blue Jays are wanting a short-medium term upgrade at shortstop while Bichette continues to improve. The hitting stats may not differ too much, but the defensive upgrade Andrelton Simmons brings to the table is enormous. Simmons has had double-digit defensive runs saved above average every season except for last season. He even had 40 defensive runs saved above average in 2017. Bo Bichette on the other hand had four defensive runs saved in 2019, and negative one in 2020.

So what does all of this mean for the Blue Jays infield? Here are three scenarios I envision if Simmons goes to Toronto.

Blue Jays Infield: Guerrero Jr. at first, Bichette at second, Biggio at third, and Simmons at short

If the Blue Jays sign Andrelton Simmons, he would be the clear starting shortstop. Unless he gets injured or hits .100 during the first month, he should be locked in. The reasons why are his .269 career batting average, and his four Gold Gloves. There is no good reason to start Bo Bichette over Andrelton Simmons.

Now that is settled, Bo Bichette’s situation will be interesting. He was asked about the possibility of the team bringing in a shortstop and he was not too happy about it.

I would say that I’ve worked really hard at that position and it would be definitely disappointing if I had to move off, but at the same time if there was someone that’s a huge upgrade and could help us win a championship it’s something I wouldn’t get in the way of… I would definitely like to play the same position every day – I don’t think a platoon situation would be great – but I think that any way to make the team better I’m definitely open to. via Sports Net

I do not blame Bichette. He must feel a little betrayed but it is the right thing to do if they decide to spend money for an upgrade in the infield. The infield coaches will need to work hard with Bichette on getting used to second base more, but I think he is more than capable. He just needs to trust the process and the coaches. Bichette has played a little bit of second base in the minor leagues which gives the team confidence. Being able to play second base would also increase his value in the future, sort of like Javier Baez.

At first base, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is the most obvious choice. He either played DH or 1B during the 2020 season and is probably most suited for his defensive capabilities. Guerrero Jr. needs to take significant steps forward with his defense he wants to play a good third base for a potential playoff team. The benefit of having Guerrero Jr. on the field as opposed to DH, is it allows room for Rowdy Tellez into the lineup who hit well in 2020.

Finally at third base, the other young stud, Cavan Biggio. The 25-year-old has taken on the utility player role which has really helped the Blue Jays match up against other teams. He has only played 10 games at third base in the big leagues, but it is apparently something he is comfortable doing. I am more comfortable having Biggio play third than Guerrero Jr.

Blue Jays Infield: Shaw or Tellez at first, Bichette at second, Guerrero Jr. at third, Simmons at short

I prefer Guerrero Jr. at first base like I previously mentioned, but the young 21-year-old slugger is keen on winning back the third base position. Guerrero Jr. lost 23 pounds since the end of the MLB season.

He struggled at third base in his rookie season with 17 errors. Guerrero Jr. insists on coming back in 2021 as the third baseman for the Blue Jays and it might be likely since he is working hard to get slimmer. If Guerrero Jr. becomes the starting third baseman, it leaves first base up for grabs.

The Blue Jays could go to Travis Shaw, Rowdy Tellez, or even Cavan Biggio. But for me, I would want Biggio’s athleticism and speed in the outfield if he is not playing third or second base. That means Shaw and Tellez would be the first baseman in this scenario. The Blue Jays brought Shaw in with the hope of him repeating his Brewers days when he hit 30+ home runs. Shaw is also versatile and better defensivily than Tellez, who is more of a hitter.

Scenario two also assumes the same as scenario one, Simmons at shortstop. And Bichette becomes Andrelton Simmons’ double play partner. Even if Bo Bichette is not so happy about it, a Simmons and Bichette partnership up the middle could be very fun to watch. They could also arguable be the best middle infield due in 2021 if it were to happen. Now for the last scenario, we will move Bichette from second base.