Simmons to the Twins is the Perfect Match

[Cody Pirkl]

We know all about the defense Andrelton Simmons brings the Twins at this point as well as the effects it will have on the layout of the rest of the infield. It may however be worth digging deeper on why it’s just so perfect for both sides that Simmons fell in the Twins lap.The Twins found themselves in a sort of middle ground this winter after an injury hobbled season from Jorge Polanco was topped off by a crippling error in the first round of the playoffs. Their former second base prospect turned Major League shortstop was pencilled in to undergo his second ankle surgery in as many years and had a particularly loud question mark attached to his future throughout the fanbase. So much so in fact that some have called for former number 1 overall pick Royce Lewis to get the call to start the 2021 season. The problem is Lewis hasn’t seen official competition in over a year, and didn’t look ready when he had.

 

The Twins hit what appears to be a jackpot when Andrelton Simmons was willing to sign for only a single year to fill in this gap. While I believe there's no such thing as a bad one year deal, Simmons was brought in for $7.5m less than his fellow shortstop Marcus Semien. The Twins got their “Hired Gun”, a free agent role often occupied by talented yet often unexciting options.

 

Andrelton Simmons is different. After the Twins brought in plenty of contributors on one year deals recently such as C.J. Cron or Jonathan Schoop, Simmons brings the type of talent that could make him our most valuable player in 2021 and it wouldn’t be a complete surprise.

 

 

In addition to the level of talent Simmons brings, he may be particularly inclined to reach that ceiling. Andrelton Simmons is a man on a mission in 2021. Next offseason at 32, he’s set to re-enter free agency and compete for what he would likely prefer to be a long term contract. His competitors at shortstop include the likes of Trevor Story, Carlos Correa and Francisco Lindor. In 2021.

 

Effort isn’t something I question a whole lot at the MLB level unless we’re talking about Lance Lynn, but Simmons in particular has a lot to work for. He’s playing for a sizable contract in one of the most incredible shortstop markets in years. At 31, he’s also fighting to show that his all world talent at shortstop can defy the aging curve often seen at the position.

 

The main point goes beyond “Andrelton Simmons will play hard for the Twins”. Both sides are in very particular situations that make this a win-win. On the Twins side, they bring in a bridge to Royce Lewis which would often be occupied by a player much less talented than Andrelton Simmons. On Simmons’ side, he can pair up with a contender in the Twins for one year and use them as a springboard to his next contract. Both sides always want a one year deal to work out, but in this case, it can’t get much better.

 

If there’s one positive to come from this suppressed free agent market, it’s that Twins Territory will get to watch what one of the best defensive shortstops in history can do first hand. I expect Simmons will be everything we expect and then some. If this one year pact goes south, it won’t be for lack of effort from either side.

 

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[bobs]

The title says it all...

[IndianaTwin]

Seeing Didi’s two-year deal following Semien’s larger one-year deal makes this contract look even better. 

[Doctor Gast]

It'll be a great pleasure to see Simmons and this infield perform.

[tarheeltwinsfan]

Does anyone who is willing to post here, know why Simmons left his team before the season was over  last season, which was also a prelude to a Simmons' free agency? 

[Out State Twin]

Does a great defensive SS save runs thus making it possible we do not have to score as often to win games? Curious because I can not remember a run saving SS in a Twins uniform. Now we do not have to lead the league in Homers to win games. 

[4twinsJA]

Was pulling for SImmons to be the addition, upgraded 3 positions with signing-SS, 2B, and UIF. Arraez can handle 3B and 2B, a little worrisome in OF, and DH some hopefully for Cruz against tough RH pitcher, should get plenty of ABs. Going to be fun watching Simmons this year (hopefully I can watch FSN). Pitchers have to be excited about upgrade in defense-hope everyone can stay healthy.

[ashbury]

I like the signing of Simmons. But before we crown the Twins the new kings of run-prevention, I just want to point out that Simmons's five-year contract with the Angels resulted in their team ERA being roughly league-average his first three years and then below-average for the final two. And they had zero winning seasons in that span.

 

They had a winning season the year before Simmons arrived, with Erick Freaking Aybar playing SS.

[Trov]

Personally, all the SS available he was the one I wanted most.  I do not expect much with the bat, but what he does with the glove will make a difference.  Many may not see it in the box score, but it will help.  Pitchers that get ground balls will feel even more confident to let the ground balls be hit.  Polonco should be better at 2b than SS because much of his issues was arm not actual fielding.