The Minnesota Twins have been far and away the biggest disappointment in MLB this season, as they sport a 27-41 record fresh off two American League Central division titles. Subsequently, it’s fair to expect them to entertain trades for their veteran players like shortstop Andrelton Simmons before the MLB trade deadline.
According to FanSided’s Robert Murray, Simmons is one of the many candidates on the Twins’ roster to be moved. Although he’s having a bumpy year at the plate (Simmons is hitting just .241 across 52 games), he is a proven commodity, a smooth defensive shortstop and a reputable starter at the big-league level. He can help a contender and likely be had for cheap given the season he’s having and with him playing on a one-year deal.
Here are three teams that make sense for an Andrelton Simmons trade.
3. Miami Marlins look for Andrelton Simmons to provide stability
The Marlins have great pitching. On the other hand, they have one of MLB’s worst offensive attacks. Andrelton Simmons could provide manager Don Mattingly’s ball club with two positive elements. A veteran bat and a defensive anchor.
While shortstop Miguel Rojas is nearing a return from the injured list, the Marlins play in the National League, which comes with numerous double switches and defensive changes in games. Rojas has also played first, second and third base in the past — creating the possibility for him and Simmons to be on the field together at some point.
Isan Diaz has struggled to be a consistent force in the batter’s box across his MLB career. Jon Berti is hitting .214. Even if Simmons gets demoted to the bench upon Rojas’ return or even in general, there are infield reps for the former to corral. With continued improvements from Jazz Chisholm, the veteran Simmons and 23-year-old stud could form a sturdy duo up the middle. Furthermore, it would help the Marlins get in the win column more often (they’re in last place in the National League east).
What could halt Miami from engaging in trade talks for Simmons is that they have some veterans who they may feel can perform better.
2. Oakland Athletics look to upgrade at shortstop with Andrelton Simmons
The A’s are exactly where they’ve been since 2018. That being near the top of the American League West and in the thick of contention. Andrelton Simmons presents an upgrade at shortstop for manager Bob Melvin.
Elvis Andrus fields his position well but has struggled to manufacture offense this season. The former Texas Rangers’ shortstop sports a .221 batting average and a .563 OPS. Simmons has been merely better than Andrus but is still having a better season. He frequently puts the balls in play and strikes out infrequently.
Oakland is reportedly interested in acquiring star shortstop Trevor Story from the Colorado Rockies who, like Simmons, is playing on an expiring contract. If the A’s are interested in a rental who likely goes for at least a top-10 prospect before the deadline, one would imagine they’d be open to trading for Simmons too – who wouldn’t require the same haul via trade.
What could prevent the A’s from making this move is them feeling Simmons doesn’t move the needle in a tangible way for them to surrender something of value for his services. They could fill the position with their array of versatile players like Chad Pinder, Jed Lowrie and Tony Kemp.
1. Cincinnati Reds get a short-term upgrade at shortstop
The Reds have a veteran team that’s trying to make headway in the NL Central. Andrelton Simmons would be a much-needed enhancement for their ball club.
Kyle Farmer has been given plenty of chances over the last three seasons to prove himself, and the results have been scattered at the plate. Simmons’ rough year in the batter’s box presents a clear upgrade over Farmer’s bizarre 2021 campaign, which is low-lighted by a .593 OPS.
Simmons is a pure contact hitter who, while perhaps a bit shaky in the field this season, is capable of playing his position at a high level. Perhaps a change of scenery gets him back on track? With the exception of losing Trevor Bauer to free agency last offseason, the Reds have stayed the course with being a win-now team. Trading for Simmons is a win-now move. The 31-year-old is an upgrade in the infield, fills a void and is still in his prime.
The competition in their division and the top-heavy NL West makes reaching the NL playoffs an immense challenge for the Reds; they should be on the lookout for ways to improve and/or add depth. Simmons can do both for the Reds, regardless of whether he turns a corner on the 2021 season.