Andrelton Simmons, Former Angels Shortstop, Announces Retirement from Professional Baseball

Andrelton Simmons held the top position in baseball, shortstop, for five years, so the Los Angeles Angels didn’t have to worry about anything. After being acquired by the Angels from the Atlanta Braves in November 2015, Simmons quickly established himself as a valuable asset with both his bat and glove.

Andrelton Simmons

Simmons would earn two Gold Gloves during his five years in Anaheim, place in the top two defensive WAR three times, and finish in the top ten MVP rankings in 2017. When he made the decision to leave the team before the 2020 campaign came to a close, his time with the Angels came to an abrupt stop. He was then given free agency. He was a player for the Chicago Cubs for a stretch of 2022 and the Minnesota Twins in 2021.

After 11 years in the major leagues, Simmons is now apparently calling it a career, according to Jared Tims:

As his career comes to an end, Simmons is undoubtedly among the best defensive shortstops in baseball history. Throughout his career, he has received four Gold Gloves, one Platinum Glove, and the distinction of being Wilson’s greatest defensive player overall in 2015. Throughout his 11 Major League seasons, he recorded an incredible 201 defensive runs saved.

Andrelton Simmons and Angels shut out in Gold Glove awards - Los Angeles  Times

He played for the Braves, Twins, Cubs, Angels, and Twins, but the Braves and Angels were his most successful teams from 2013 to 2017. Although his bat would probably keep him out of serious Hall of Fame discussion due to his slightly below-league average, it wouldn’t be shocking to see him on the ballot at some point. Over his career, he amassed 37.1 wins above replacement.

Angels providing Teoscar Hernandez with updates

Andrelton Simmons reveals emotional toll 2020 MLB season took on him

Over the past four seasons, Teoscar Hernandez has been among baseball’s most reliable producers. With the Toronto Blue Jays during the postponed 2020 season, he made a big impression by winning a Silver Slugger award and recording an OPS of.919. Of course, he had to demonstrate that it wasn’t a fluke, just like many other 2020 stars. He accomplished this in 2021 by hitting 32 home runs, accumulating 116 RBI, and registering an.870 OPS. For his achievements, he was chosen an All-Star and won a Silver Slugger.

After suffering a little decline following his trade to the Seattle Mariners prior to the 2023 season, he has been reliable in the two years that have passed. However, he is now a highly sought-after free agent, and the Angels have apparently made contact with him, as reported by Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.