MLB Trade Rumors: New York Mets Call Atlanta Braves About Andrelton Simmons


After a trade that sent 50 percent of the Atlanta Braves infield to the New York Mets was completed on Friday, the Mets reportedly called the Braves about their gold glove winning shortstop.

According to Buster Olney of ESPN, the Mets inquired about Juan Uribe and Kelly Johnson’s former teammate, Andrelton Simmons as they continue to search for an incumbent at the position. While the Mets do have an interest, Olney reports that the Braves asking price for Simmons is “unreachable.”

The Mets were likely disappointed to find out that Simmons would come at such a steep price, but they should not be surprised. While the 25-year-old has never been known to light up the world with his bat, Simmons is considered as one of, if not the most elite defenders in all of baseball. The winner of last two National League Gold Gloves at shortstop, every defensive metric sees Simmons in a positive light.

Simmons rates as the premier defender at any position in baseball over the past three seasons. Fangraphs lists Simmons ahead of defensive whizzes such as Nolan Arenado, Juan Lagares, and others in categories such as Ultimate Zone Rating (50.8) and Defensive Runs Saved (+68).

By comparison, the Colorado Rockies third baseman Arenado, the next closest player, has +61 DRS and a 36.1 UZR. Elite numbers, but in relation to Simmons’ statistics, it puts him in a completely different league.

As far as his hitting goes, Simmons owns a.263 batting average with three HR and 30 RBI this season. But he has shown the ability to hit with power as evidenced by his 2013 season in which he hit 17 HR to go along with 59 RBI. If the Mets are looking to add Simmons for offense, they’d be better off keeping their prospects and allowing Wilmer Flores, who has a.249 BA with 10 HR and 40 RBI this season, to remain at shortstop.

Obviously, Simmons’ true value is within his ability to save runs rather than be the one who drives them in. Also, another thing that the Braves have going for them is Simmons’ contractual status at the moment. He is signed through the 2020 season at a team-friendly remaining salary of $54.1 million. As noted by MLBTradeRumors, Simmons’ remaining salaries through 2020 are $6MM, $8MM, $11MM, $13MM and $15MM.

That is one of the reasons why Dave Cameron of FanGraphslisted Simmons 30th on the list of the top 50 players with trade value. His defensive abilities and contract make him valuable, but his ability to hit is still a work in progress despite his ability to put balls in play as Cameron notes.

He would hit the free agent market after he hits the age of 30.

Having been connected with names such as Troy Tulowitzki, Starlin Castro, and others as long-term solutions at shortstop, the Mets will likely continue to search for the right player, but someone who also comes at the right price.

[Image by Jim McIsaac / Getty Images]

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