Call to the pen
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Los Angeles Angels kick Andrelton Simmons to curb with Jose Iglesias

By David Hill

ANAHEIM, CA - SEPTEMBER 16: Andrelton Simmons #2 of the Los Angeles Angels gets a hit against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on September 16, 2020 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA - SEPTEMBER 16: Andrelton Simmons #2 of the Los Angeles Angels gets a hit against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on September 16, 2020 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images) /
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Although Andrelton Simmons wanted to return to the Los Angeles Angels, the franchise did not feel the same. He has been pushed aside for Jose Iglesias.

Throughout the previous offseason, and into the 2020 campaign, Andrelton Simmons had stated his desire to remain with the Los Angeles Angels. It seemed to be a matter of how much the Angels valued the defensive stalwart, especially in light of his two seasons of below average production.

The Angels definitively moved on from Simmons on Wednesday, as they acquired Jose Iglesias from the Baltimore Orioles. Minor league pitchers Garrett Stallings and Jean Pinto have been sent to Baltimore in return.

This is a somewhat surprising move. While Simmons was expected to sign elsewhere, Iglesias was considered a key part of the Orioles’ plans for the coming year. General manager Mike Elias had referred to Iglesias as a perfect fit for the roster, a player that was exactly what they needed.

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Regardless of how well Iglesias fit the roster, this was the perfect time for the Orioles to move on. His 160 OPS+ was easily the best of his nine years in the majors, and only the second time that he had even been an average major league bat. He has, however, consistently been an excellent defensive shortstop. At just $3.5 million in 2021, he would also cost far less than Simmons.

This move unequivocally closes the door on Simmons returning for 2021. While he has been one of the elite defensive shortstops in the game throughout his career, his bat has completely fallen off over the past two years. He has produced a .271/.318/.362 batting line in his last 551 plate appearances, numbers that Iglesias has been able to match in his career at a fraction of the cost.

It is possible that the Angels would have been willing to overlook Simmons’ offensive struggles, especially given the difficulties of the 2020 season. However, his defense had also fallen apart, as his typically stellar glove was below average last year. There was no reason to bring him back at what his expected salary would be.

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The Los Angeles Angels have their shortstop for 2021. And now, Andrelton Simmons officially needs to find a new home.

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