Report: Braves discussing trade involving Andrelton Simmons
The Atlanta Braves are reportedly in trade talks with several teams, and their defensively gifted shortstop appears to be the focus of those discussions.
The San Diego Padres, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Los Angeles Angels are among those teams interested in two-time Gold Glove winner Andrelton Simmons, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, though talks are at a very early stage.
The Padres' shortstop tandem, comprised of Alexi Amarista and Clint Barmes, combined for minus-0.8 wins above replacement this season, while Erick Aybar is only under contract for one more season with the Angels. The Dodgers are poised to start rookie Corey Seager at the position, but could see Simmons as the better option, while moving the 21-year-old to second or third base.
Related: Braves' Simmons earns Defensive Player of the Year award
Though Simmons endured another pedestrian offensive season in 2015, finishing 14th among qualified shortstops with a .660 OPS, the 26-year-old is widely considered the top defender at his position. Since becoming a full-time player in 2013, he leads the majors with 94 defensive runs saved - a whopping 25 more than Jason Heyward, who ranks second over that span. Despite hitting just .255/.304/.335 over the last two years, Simmons' defensive efforts have fueled 5.2 WAR - the sixth-most among shortstops.
(Courtesy: MLB.com)
Simmons, a second-round pick in the 2010 draft, earned $6 million this season - his second since signing a seven-year extension with Atlanta - and is set to make $53 million over the next five years.