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Andrelton Simmons

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Andrelton Simmons
Simmons with the Los Angeles Angels in 2017
Shortstop
Born: (1989-09-04) September 4, 1989 (age 35)
Willemstad, Curaçao
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
MLB debut
June 2, 2012, for the Atlanta Braves
Last MLB appearance
July 10, 2022, for the Chicago Cubs
MLB statistics
Batting average.263
Home runs70
Runs batted in444
Teams
Career highlights and awards

Andrelton Alexander Simmons (born September 4, 1989) is a Curaçaoan former professional baseball shortstop. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Angels, Minnesota Twins, and Chicago Cubs. Drawing considerable attention for his defensive abilities, Simmons won four Rawlings Gold Glove Awards at shortstop, a Wilson MLB Overall Defensive Player of the Year Award, and six Fielding Bible Awards. As of the end of 2019 season, he ranked first in DRS and UZR against all shortstops played in the stats' respective eras (2003-present for DRS, 2002-present for UZR).[1]

Amateur career

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Simmons played youth baseball alongside fellow Curaçao natives Kenley Jansen and Didi Gregorius; he also played basketball and soccer.[2]

Due to his slight build, Simmons did not draw much attention from MLB scouts until he attended Western Oklahoma State College in Altus, Oklahoma. As a freshman at Western Oklahoma State, Simmons hit .472 with seven home runs and 40 runs batted in (RBIs), leading his team to the 2010 National Junior College Athletic Association Division II College World Series.[3]

Professional career

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Atlanta Braves

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Simmons with the Braves in 2014

Simmons was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the second round of the 2010 Major League Baseball draft out of Western Oklahoma State College.[4]

Prior to the 2012 season, Simmons was the Braves' fourth-best prospect according to Baseball America.[5] He was ranked 92nd in all of baseball.[6] During spring training he competed with Tyler Pastornicky for the Braves starting shortstop job.[7][8] On May 30, 2012, the Braves called Simmons up,[9] and he made his Major League debut on June 2 against the Washington Nationals.[10] He got his first Major League hit, a double, on June 3.[11] Simmons was named National League Rookie of the Month for June 2012 after hitting .333 with six doubles, three home runs, and 14 RBIs in June. He led all NL rookies in batting average and on-base percentage.[12] He also won praise for his outstanding defense.[13][14] On July 8, 2012, during a game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Simmons suffered a non-displaced fracture of the fifth metacarpal on his right hand while sliding head-first into second base.[15] On July 9, he was placed on the 15-day disabled list.[16]

In the 2012 National League Wild Card Game against the St. Louis Cardinals, Simmons hit an eighth-inning fly ball to left field that dropped in between Cardinals shortstop Pete Kozma and left fielder Matt Holliday. Simmons was believed by many to have been entitled to a single, but left field umpire Sam Holbrook cited the infield fly rule[17][a] and called Simmons out. Angered Braves fans littered the field with trash, causing a 19-minute delay and a threatened forfeit.[21][22][23] The Braves lost the game 6–3 and were eliminated.

Simmons had his first full season in 2013, playing in 157 games. He finished the 2013 season with the highest Defensive Runs Saved ever recorded in a year[24] and received the Gold Glove,[25] the Fielding Bible Award,[26] and the Rawlings Platinum Glove Award[27] for his defensive work that season.

On February 20, 2014, the Atlanta Braves signed Simmons to a seven-year deal worth $58 million.[28][29] In 2014 he batted .244/.286/.331. At the end of the year, Simmons won the Gold Glove[30] and Fielding Bible[31] awards for his position.

In 2015 he batted .265/.321/.338. He had the lowest number of pitches per plate appearance in the major leagues (3.27).[32]

Los Angeles Angels

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On November 12, 2015, Simmons, along with catcher José Briceño, was traded to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim for Erick Aybar, Sean Newcomb and Chris Ellis.[33] In a May 9, 2016, game against the Tampa Bay Rays, Simmons tore the ulnar collateral ligament of his left thumb and was placed on the disabled list.[34] He was reactivated on June 16.[35] For the season, he batted .281/.324/.366, and struck out in only 7.9% of his at bats.[36] He received the Fielding Bible Award for the fourth straight year.[37]

In 2017, Simmons hit .278/.331/.421 with 14 home runs and 69 RBIs, and had the lowest strikeout percentage of all major league baseball players (10.4%).[38] Simmons finished 8th in the American League Most Valuable Player voting. He received his third Gold Glove Award as well in 2017.[39] His Defensive Wins Above Replacement in 2017 was 5.0, third-highest of all time and highest since 1917.[40]

In 2018, he batted .292/.337/.417 with 11 home runs and a career-high 75 RBIs, a major-league-leading 28 infield hits, had the lowest strikeout percentage of all major league baseball players (7.3%) for the second consecutive year, had the lowest number of pitches per plate appearance in the major leagues (3.30), and led the majors in pull percentage (51.0%).[41][42] He also won a Gold Glove for the second consecutive season.[43] As of 2018, he led the major leagues in career at bats per strikeout (10.32).[44] He was placed on the disabled list on May 21, 2019, with an ankle injury.

On September 22, 2020, Simmons announced he was opting out of the remainder of the 2020 season. At the time of his opt-out, Simmons had slashed .297/.346/.356 with no home runs and 10 RBI.[45] While he initially attributed the opt-out to concerns relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, Simmons later revealed in February 2021 that he opted-out due to depression and suicidal ideations.[46][47]

Minnesota Twins

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On January 31, 2021, Simmons signed a one-year, $10.5 million contract with the Minnesota Twins.[48] Simmons finished the 2021 season with a .223 batting average, 3 home runs, 31 RBI, 1 stolen base, and a 57 OPS+, the lowest of his career.

Chicago Cubs

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On March 15, 2022, Simmons signed a one-year, $4 million contract with the Chicago Cubs.[49] In 34 games for Chicago, he batted .173/.244/.187 with no home runs, 7 RBI, and 4 stolen bases. Simmons was designated for assignment on August 6,[50][51] and elected free agency the following day.

Mumbai Cobras

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On October 23, 2023, Simmons was drafted in the first round by the Mumbai Cobras, with the 8th overall selection, of the Baseball United inaugural draft.[52]

On December 26, 2023, Simmons announced his retirement from professional baseball.[53][54]

Despite his retirement, on January 13, 2024, Simmons was announced as part of the Curaçao Suns roster that would represent Curaçao in the 2024 Caribbean Series in Miami.[55]

International career

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World Baseball Classic

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Simmons played for the Netherlands national team at the 2013 World Baseball Classic, and was selected for the team at the 2017 World Baseball Classic.[56][57] He represented the Netherlands national baseball team at the 2023 World Baseball Classic.[58]

Notes

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  1. ^ The infield fly rule states, in part, that the batter is out when, with first and second base occupied with fewer than two out, the batter hits a fair fly ball which is not a line drive nor bunt, and this fly ball can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort. This was controversial in part because the ball landed 225 feet (69 m) from home plate, in the outfield grass, and was by far the deepest uncaught pop-up called infield fly since 2009, and as a result was so far from the bases that intentionally letting it drop could not have led to an unfair double play (the intention of the rule is to prevent such a play) as evidenced by the fact that both baserunners advanced easily.[18][19][20]

References

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  1. ^ "Andrelton Simmons Is Having a Hall of Fame Career | Baseball Bits". YouTube.com. Retrieved January 18, 2020.
  2. ^ Crasnick, Jerry (April 27, 2015). "Andrelton Simmons is a hard-working human highlight reel". ESPN.com. Retrieved April 28, 2015.
  3. ^ Aber, Ryan (June 8, 2010). "Western Oklahoma State shortstop Simmons first state player drafted". The Oklahoman. Retrieved June 20, 2016.
  4. ^ Hempson, Chris (June 9, 2010). "Young pitchers dominate Braves' Day 3 Draft". MLB.com. Archived from the original on October 14, 2013. Retrieved October 11, 2013.
  5. ^ Ballew, Bill (October 31, 2011). "Atlanta Braves top 2012 prospects". Baseball America. Retrieved October 11, 2013.
  6. ^ "2012 Top 100 Prospects". Baseball America. February 21, 2012. Retrieved October 11, 2013.
  7. ^ Bowman, Mark (March 11, 2012). "Simmons' dazzling 'D' leaving strong impression". MLB.com. Archived from the original on October 12, 2013. Retrieved October 11, 2013.
  8. ^ Bowman, Mark (March 19, 2012). "Pastornicky, Simmons continue shortstop battle". MLB.com. Archived from the original on October 12, 2013. Retrieved October 11, 2013.
  9. ^ O'Brien, David (May 30, 2012). "Pastornicky sent to Triple-A; Simmons coming to Majors". Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Archived from the original on October 12, 2013. Retrieved October 11, 2013.
  10. ^ "Atlanta Braves vs. Washington Nationals Boxscore". MLB.com. June 2, 2012. Retrieved October 11, 2013.
  11. ^ Ginsburg, David (June 3, 2012). "Hanson, Braves beat Nationals 3-2". Yahoo Sports. Archived from the original on September 11, 2017. Retrieved October 11, 2013.
  12. ^ Rogers, Carroll (July 2, 2012). "Simmons named NL rookie of the month". Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Archived from the original on October 12, 2013. Retrieved October 11, 2013.
  13. ^ Moore, Jack (September 13, 2012). "Andrelton Simmons Changed Everything". Fangraphs. Retrieved October 11, 2013.
  14. ^ Simon, Mark (July 2, 2012). "Braves rookie Simmons already elite SS". ESPN.com. Retrieved October 11, 2013.
  15. ^ Willis, Kris (July 8, 2012). "Andrelton Simmons Injury: Braves Shortstop Has Fractured Finger". SBNation. Retrieved October 11, 2013.
  16. ^ Vivlamore, Chris (July 9, 2012). "Braves place Simmons on 15-day disabled list". Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Archived from the original on October 12, 2013. Retrieved October 11, 2013.
  17. ^ "STL-ATL Infield Fly (NL Wild Card): Why Call was Correct". Close Call Sports. October 6, 2012.
  18. ^ "Braves 'emptiness' after Wild Card loss; infield fly debated". Atlanta Journal-Constitution. October 6, 2012. Archived from the original on December 15, 2012.
  19. ^ "MLB Official Rules: 2.00 Definitions". October 5, 2012.
  20. ^ Snyder, Matt (June 11, 2008). "Infield fly rule call mars Cardinals-Braves wild-card game". CBS Sports. Retrieved October 7, 2012.
  21. ^ "Cardinals overcome ugly delay, Braves – Chicago Tribune". Chicago Tribune. October 5, 2012. Retrieved October 7, 2012.
  22. ^ "Fan Protest/Throwing Trash on the Field". YouTube.com.
  23. ^ "Call of the Wild: Cards earn berth in NLDS: St. Louis takes advantage of three Atlanta errors, infield fly ruling". MLB.com. October 5, 2012.
  24. ^ DiComo, Anthony (October 2, 2013). "With Gold Glove defense, Simmons' value unmatched". MLB.com. Archived from the original on October 23, 2013. Retrieved October 11, 2013.
  25. ^ Rogers, Carroll (October 29, 2013). "Braves SS Simmons wins first Gold Glove". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Archived from the original on November 16, 2015. Retrieved May 24, 2015.
  26. ^ Berry, Adam (October 28, 2013). "Fielding Bible names six first-time winners". MLB.com. Retrieved May 24, 2015.
  27. ^ O'Brien, David (November 9, 2013). "Simmons wins Platinum Glove as NL's top defensive player". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Archived from the original on November 16, 2015. Retrieved May 24, 2015.
  28. ^ "Braves sign Simmons to 7-year deal". ESPN.com. February 20, 2014. Retrieved February 20, 2014.
  29. ^ Bowman, Mark (February 20, 2014). "Braves lock up Simmons with seven-year deal". MLB.com. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved February 20, 2014.
  30. ^ "Jason Heyward and Andrelton Simmons Honored as Rawlings Gold Glove Winners". MLB.com. November 4, 2014. Archived from the original on November 10, 2017. Retrieved May 24, 2015.
  31. ^ O'Brien, David (October 31, 2014). "Braves Simmons, Heyward win prestigious defensive awards". Archived from the original on November 16, 2015. Retrieved May 24, 2015.
  32. ^ "2020 MLB Player Batting Stats".
  33. ^ "Braves deal Andrelton Simmons to Angels for Erick Aybar in SS swap". ESPN.com. November 12, 2015.
  34. ^ Gonzalez, Alden (May 10, 2016). "Simmons needs thumb surgery, will miss 2 months". MLB.com. Archived from the original on November 11, 2017. Retrieved October 3, 2016.
  35. ^ Gonzalez, Alden (June 16, 2016). "Simmons returns to Halos ahead of schedule". MLB.com. Archived from the original on October 16, 2017. Retrieved October 3, 2016.
  36. ^ "American League Leaderboards » 2016 » Batters » Dashboard | FanGraphs Baseball". www.fangraphs.com.
  37. ^ Dewan, John (October 28, 2016). "The 2016 Fielding Bible Awards". Bill James Online. Retrieved December 8, 2016.
  38. ^ "American League Leaderboards » 2017 » Batters » Advanced Statistics | FanGraphs Baseball". www.fangraphs.com.
  39. ^ Guardado, Maria (November 7, 2017). "Maldonado, Simmons capture Gold Gloves". MLB.com. Archived from the original on November 12, 2017. Retrieved November 12, 2017.
  40. ^ "Single-Season Leaders & Records for Defensive WAR". Baseball-Reference.com.
  41. ^ "2020 MLB Player Batting Stats".
  42. ^ American League Leaderboards » 2018 » Batters » Advanced Statistics | FanGraphs Baseball
  43. ^ Torres, Maria (November 5, 2018). "Angels shortstop Andrelton Simmons wins another Gold Glove". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved April 24, 2019.
  44. ^ "Active Leaders & Records for AB per SO". Baseball-Reference.com.
  45. ^ "Angels News: Andrelton Simmons opt-out foretells future with Halos". September 23, 2020.
  46. ^ "Andrelton Simmons Opts Out of Remainder of Season". September 22, 2020.
  47. ^ Fletcher, Jeff (February 2, 2021). "Andrelton Simmons opens up about depression and thoughts of suicide". Orange County Register.
  48. ^ Park, Do-Hyoung (January 31, 2021). "Simba out to 'keep everybody on their toes'". MLB.com. Retrieved January 31, 2021.
  49. ^ "Cubs seal 1-year deal with shortstop Simmons". MLB.com.
  50. ^ Rogers, Jesse (August 6, 2022). "Chicago Cubs designate veteran SS Andrelton Simmons for assignment". ESPN.com. Retrieved May 23, 2023.
  51. ^ Stebbins, Tim (August 6, 2022). "Cubs move on from Simmons with DFA amid infield logjam". NBC Sports Chicago. Retrieved May 23, 2023.
  52. ^ "Andrelton Simmons one of 6 former Braves playing in a brand new baseball league". housethathankbuilt.com. Retrieved December 26, 2023.
  53. ^ "Andrelton Simmons, 4-time Gold Glove SS, announces retirement". ESPN.com. Associated Press. December 28, 2023. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  54. ^ Palattella, Henry (December 28, 2023). "Four-time Gold Glover Simmons retires". MLB.com. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  55. ^ "Look at this! The provisional roster for Team Curaçao - Curacao Suns for the Serie del Caribe - Miami 2024". Curaçao Professional Baseball. January 13, 2024 – via Facebook.
  56. ^ O'Brien, David (March 20, 2013). "Braves' Simmons ready for season after WBC stint". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Archived from the original on November 16, 2015. Retrieved October 11, 2013.
  57. ^ Belson, Ken (March 7, 2017). "With Talent from Two Small Islands, the Netherlands is a W.B.C. Favorite". The New York Times.
  58. ^ "Grote namen in voorselectie Koninkrijksteam voor World Baseball Classic – HonkbalSoftbal.nl". HonkbalSoftbal.nl (in Dutch). January 10, 2023. Retrieved March 22, 2023.
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