MLB free agency: 3 landing spots for Andrelton Simmons
Andrelton Simmons is still available in MLB free agency. Many teams have inquired about the four-time Gold Glove shortstop, but he remains unsigned.
Simmons, 31, is known as one of the best defenders in baseball. His glove could be the best in the game, and he has immense range. His main weaknesses are his lack of power and that he does not walk very often.
MLB free agency: Defensive specialist Andrelton Simmons still available
This was not the best time for Simmons to hit MLB free agency. There are not a lot of teams that are willing to spend at his desired price range for a shortstop that can struggle offensively at times. The timing for Simmons to his free agency was not ideal.
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Last season, he hit .297 and drove in 10 runs over 30 games for the Los Angeles Angels. On Sept. 22, however, he opted out of the remainder of the 2020 season due to COVID-19.
He debuted for the Atlanta Braves in 2012, signed a seven-year, $58 million contract extension in 2014 and then was traded to the Angels after the 2015 season for pitcher Sean Newcomb, infielder Erick Aybar and prospects.
From 2012-20, nine seasons, Simmons has played in 1,060 games, slugging 67 home runs, driving in 406 runs, batting .269 and owning a career OPS. of .696.
It will most likely be for a bargain, but here are three teams that could sign Andrelton Simmons before the 2021 season.
MLB free agency: Philadelphia Phillies have needs
The Philadelphia Phillies declined to make a qualifying offer to Didi Gregorius at the beginning of MLB free agency. They do have two internal options, Jean Segura and Scott Kingery, to play short if needed, but they would prefer to play them elsewhere.
Andrelton Simmons is a strong external option for the Phillies because he immediately improves their defense. If he moved back to the National League, he would have a strong chance to win a fifth career Gold Glove.
There have been rumbles that Gregorius could be brought back, but if that doesn’t materialize, the Phillies need to try to land Simmons. As good as he is defensively, he has potential to be a solid hitter. He has been very inconsistent at the plate throughout his career, but has shown he can contribute at the bottom of the lineup.
The last season he won a Gold Glove award, 2018, was arguably his best at the plate, batting .292 through 146 games with a .754 OPS.
The Phillies have decent shortstop prospects, but they are a few years away. They need a short-term option to play the position for the next few seasons. Signing Simmons to a two-year contract would be a smart investment for Philadelphia.
MLB free agency: Cincinnati Reds need a shortstop, but will they sign one?
The Cincinnati Reds are in a weird predicament. They need a shortstop, but are reluctant to spend money this offseason, making them an iffy landing spot for Andrelton Simmons. However, the right storm could have Simmons end up in Cincinnati.
The Reds are considering trading some of their higher paid players, such as Sonny Gray or Eugenio Suarez. If they remain as spring training gets closer, they should consider signing Simmons to a one- or two-year deal. Like any team that would sign him, he improves their defense right away and brings a veteran bat to their lineup.
The Reds need a shortstop and Simmons would complemen themwell, since they are not very strong defensively. In 2020, they ranked 23rd in in Defensive WAR overall per Baseball Reference and 29th at shortstop. The Angels ranked in the top half of the majors due to having Simmons for half the season.
Freddy Galvis has been playing short for the Reds for the past season and a half. Simmons would be a slight upgrade offensively from Galvis, despite having less power. But Simmons is a huge step up defensively.
If the Reds are willing to meet his desired price range, Simmons could be a member of the Reds and help them return to the postseason.
MLB free agency: Simmons a defensive upgrade for Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays have been active this offseason, after they just signed All-Star outfielder George Springer to a massive six-year, $150 million contract. Apparently, the Blue Jays are still not done and are willing to sign more talented players. Andrelton Simmons would be a great fit.
Toronto has a hole in its infield defense. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is a very talented hitter with sky-high potential, but should not be an every-day third baseman. The Blue Jays should consider signing Simmons to play short, slide Bo Bichette to third base and make Guerrero their full-time first baseman. This would make the team a lot stronger and help them a lot down the road.
They have an opening at first and Guerrero would be a great internal option, especially since he struggled defensively in 2020. Toronto ranked 28th in the majors in WAR at third base. Bichette would be a lot better defensively at third base than Vladdy. Simmons would be better at short than Bichette. This would make the Blue Jays legit contenders and give them a real defense.
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The Blue Jays are interested in Simmons and should definitely consider adding him to improve their defense. He will not make a huge impact on their lineup, but he would give them one of the best defensive shortstops in the league.