Jan 31: The Twins have officially announced the signing. The Twins now have two open spots on their 40-man roster.
Jan 26: The Twins have reached an agreement with free agent shortstop Andrelton Simmons on a one-year, $10.5MM contract, per ESPN’s Jeff Passan (via Twitter). Per the Athletic’s Aaron Gleeman (via Twitter), the deal is done, pending a physical. The ISE Baseball client is the third shortstop and fourth infielder to come off the board in the past few hours.
The Twins step in from somewhat out-of-the-blue to sign Simmons – but not entirely. Twins GM Thad Levine flagged the potential for a move like this recently in saying that the defensive versatility of their current roster gave them options in free agency. Jorge Polanco will slide over to second base, while Luis Arraez will move around the diamond as needed, notes Passan.
Levine recently spoke of being impressed by the Dodgers’ malleability in the World Series, noting that his own roster could flex similarly, especially with manager Rocco Baldelli as a capable tactician at the wheel. If nothing else, with Simmons at short, Josh Donaldson at third, and Byron Buxton in center, the Twins boast a defense with upside enough to make a difference. Moving Polanco off short and installing Simmons in his place – on its own – has the makings of an impactful upgrade.
The four-time Gold Glove Award winner has long been considered the tastemaker with the glove at short, though ankle injuries have limited his contributions the past two seasons. His glovework was worth -1 outs above average over a 30-game sample in 2020 before he opted out, but in just 103 games the year prior, he was second among all shortstops with 12 OAA. It’s not at all a reach to suggest that Simmons is a generational talent on the defensive end.
There are more questions on the offensive side of the game. For his career, Simmons owns a slash line of .269/.317/.379 with a career 90 wRC+. The 31-year-old won’t be asked to carry the weight of the offense on a Twins’ club that has been known for its power output in recent years. Of course, two major contributors to the Bomba Squad – Eddie Rosario and Nelson Cruz – are currently free agents.*
Last season, Simmons slashed .297/.346/.356 across 127 plate appearances with a 12.6 percent strikeout rate and 6.3 percent walk rate. Simmons is one of the toughest players in the game to strikeout, though that’s in part because he’s a free swinger who doesn’t take many walks. His batter ball numbers weren’t good in 2020 – for example, zero barrels – but in such a small sample it’s tough to glean much substance.
The question Twins fans will ask is whether this signing precludes Minnesota from a reunion with designated hitter Nelson Cruz. Signing Simmons at this price point for one year could certainly be seen as a way to save money. In terms of maximizing flexibility, replacing Cruz with Simmons certainly accomplishes the task. That said, there’s an argument to be made that adding Simmons to the defense make Cruz an even better fit on the offensive end. Last we heard, however, there hasn’t been much movement on talks between the Twins and Cruz – though with this box checked, talks could just as well open up again. That figures to change, or way or another, with Simmons now in the fold. The Twins might not be done, however. Per the Athletic’s Dan Hayes (via Twitter), someone with the clubs says they have “two more moves ahead before the offseason is out.”
In terms of his value relative to the market, Minnesota nets Simmons for slightly less than we projected for him at the outset of free agency – MLBTR forecast $12MM. He lands pretty firmly between the one-year deals signed by his peers today. Marcus Semien signed for $18MM, while Freddy Galvis signed for $1.5MM. All three will now re-enter free agency next season when Trevor Story, Francisco Lindor, Corey Seager, Carlos Correa, and Javier Baez are also set to hit the open market.
*Rosario has since signed with the Indians.
Polanco moves to 2b?
I could see him splitting time there with Arraez. The Twins have been rumored to want to move Polanco to more of a utility role, basically their new Marwin Gonzalez.
Polanco will anchor 2B. Arraez more suited for utility role than Polanco.
Great for Simmons and the Twins. Now, Didi back to Philadelphia.
Didi to Cincy
Didi to Cincy makes more sense. Can’t imagine the Reds start the year with Kyle Farmer as their starting SS
Signing a guy looking for a 3-4 year deal for a team scaling back payroll. Cincy pulling that would be rather odd and a laughable idea.
It’s jose Garcia right now, but yeah, either way, even though they’re not trying to win they’ll sign someone else. Villar makes more sense
I would say the same, but the NL Central seems allergic to spending money.
I forgot Villar was available. Also wonder if the Reds might wanna try Senzel at SS
No. Reds aren’t in the mood to spend. Most likely they’ll send one top 10 and 2 mid-range to CLE for Amed Rosario. Tribe is much higher on Gimenez
Nebraska, Villar can’t play short. If Senzel could play short the Reds would have had him there last year. If you watched Villar play you’d never suggest that idea.
won’t happen this year
He won’t Suarez will be at SS. He’s the reds best player. Even moreso than Votto.
I wonder if Simmons will walk out on his team during the playoff push?
Yes, Polanco is moving to 2nd. It states it in the article. Reading is fundamental.
wow didnt see him getting that much.
Cuz it’s one year.
yeah but I figured he’s get less given it was likely going to be a prove-it deal.
darkside – Prove what? Simmons is one of the best defensive ss in the game and his bat was solid for us. The Twins just became better.
Darkside struggles with basic words, maybe he doesn’t know that word “prove”?
his offense has dipped a tad in the past two years and he’s missed some time.
His offense slipped in 2019. In the small sample of 2020 he was basically what he always has been, a league average hitter.
Don’t worry Darkside, lolmetsforever is just lolzmutz back with a vengeance. He’s spent all day harassing me, and I guess he’s going to do it to you as well. Sorry.
I thought something sounded familiar
Yeah, he’s been harassing DarkSide for awhile, and now And now Rangers29. He’ll lash out at others randomly, too. Likes to go after grammar, punctuation, spelling, vocabulary, etc. Classic troll. Total nuisance. Poison in the community.
Al Avila STINKS!
It’s $7.5-mil less than Semien. Surprised he didn’t get more.
comparatively, yes, but im also shocked Semian got so much despite how slow the SS market has moved.
If you’re continuously being surprised than maybe you need to adjust your thinking. To me, this one year contract is completely adjusted to normal market expectations because it’s one year.
Definitely didn’t see this one coming. Polanco probably moving to a super utility role.
Polanco moving to 2B
Didi the only one left this year. Guess he goes to the Reds. Who’s gonna play short for the Phillies?
Seems like Segura. I’m hoping that they can make a push for Didi. Cesar Hernandez would have been nice to have back.
good luck, simba!
Wow, next years SS class is going to be nuts.
Didn’t see that coming. I think Polanco is used to get pitching now. I wouldn’t be moving Arraez out of regular playing time. He’s improved both offensively and defensivley.
He will still play regularly as a super utility. His bat will be in lineup for as many games as they can get out of him. Twins used Gonzalez in that role and he played plenty.
You think they’re going to take baseball’s best defensive shortstop and play him as a super utility?
I think the comment about being impressed with the Dodgers’ positional flexibility more likely indicates the plan and thinking here. Baldelli and the current front office already have upped the emphasis on regular rest and rotating players just for off days. More Dodgers- (and Rays-) style positional rotation seems to be the next step.
And if they were going to do that with an infielder, a RH-hitting shortstop with a good glove makes sense as the player to add. Polanco is a switch-hitter and Arraez hits lefty. They can optimize the lineups based on handedness or defense (e.g. ground-ball pitchers who need more help from their infield) as well as rest.
Semien would have felt like a more exciting addition somehow, but it’s not hard to see the sense in this move.
This is an ok move. When I saw the current signings the first thing that comes to mind is that the teams believe there will gate revenue in 2021. Very good news.
Polanco was banged up end of 2019 and 2020. I don’t think he’ll be first half 2019 Polanco but he’ll be better. Especially if they can get him rest, they rode him hard since Adrianza was the only other SS and he sucks.
If you are a Twins fan, that’s an amazing screen name.
ig they don’t expect Royce Lewis to crack the team this year
In all fairness, Lewis hasn’t played a game at Triple-A and in 2019 between A+ and AA, he struggled. This should be a good bridge for him though. Might see him late in the year.
The price tag is about what I would have guessed, but the Twins being the ones to give it to him is pretty damn surprising. Do the Phillies and Reds play rock-paper-scissors for Didi now?
Omg, today has been suuuper busy! I love it!
So where is Sir Didi going?? The Angels??
The Angels have a shortstop, a guy who hit 373 last year.
They already have fletcher, Iglesias, and rendon so no.
Good question. I don’t see the Reds paying anyone. He might end up somewhere off the radar.
If he didn’t walk out on the Angels, they would have given him more money and a longer deal.
Yeah, he kind of turned his back on them. Hated to see him do that.
Definitely left a lot of Angels fans with a bad taste. He performed well for them when healthy but unfortunately leaving the team early is a lasting image.
I’m guessing this pretty much confirms Didi to Philly.
Reds.
The Reds would like a word. They’re not the ones that just signed a guy to a 120m contract after saying they wouldn’t be spending this year.
Excellent move. Poor infield defense has hurt the Twins quite a bit the past couple years, particularly up the middle.
All the early talk of the White Sox just remember, when the Twins signed JAHapp they were just getting started.
Let’s see how teams line up at spring training. This will be a battle all year
I agree that it will be a battle for the AL Central, but signing Happ and Simmons doesn’t even remotely compare to trading for Lynn and signing Hendriks.
Not a huge gun in this but why? An everyday SS is more valuable than a reliever, no matter how good. Lynn is better than Happ but it remains to be seen by how much.
I can see liking the Sox moves more but “doesn’t even remotely compare” seems a bit much.
Also remains to be seen if the Twins can fit Cruz in still. They’re still $10-$15 million below what management has indicated is their spending limit (which is also soft, could see ownership going over a bit to sign Cruz). That could nicely fit Cruz if no NL DH and perhaps a reliever or two depending how the market settles.
The Twins already had an everyday SS, who arguably was better than Simmons.
Offensively yes, defensively no. It would be a good argument and likely depends what Polanco is – a .sub 800 OPS guy or an 850 to 900 OPS guy.
But the upgrade is really from Marwin Gonzalez to Simmons. That’s a massive jump given Marwin put up a sub .700 OPS and was at best adequate on defense. The Twins get significantly better defensively at two positions (short and second) and upgraded their utility guy (now Arraez who at hits significantly better than Marwin).
The Twins look pretty good to me. They expect big things from Alex Kirilloff and the already good defense just improved. Eddie Rosario is a loss but, the IF needed help and the OF needs to remain healthy.
The ChiSox may win the off-season, but they still have holes and seldom does that transfer to the field the first year.
Yeah I can’t wait for this year to start. The twins still need to make a couple more moves, but its awesome the rivalry has been revitalized!
The Twins have depth though in infield, white Sox have more star power, but they’re bench in very weak.
Good thing white Sox bullpen is strong.
Also, Twins have 4 SP deep right now.
Again white Sox have star power with 3 strong SP, after that they have holes and youngsters, nobody wanna see Reynaldo Lopez.
Twins and White Sox will finish 1st and 2nd by less than 3 games. Not sure what team will finish where but thats my prediction.
Good luck Twins fans. This guy is a quitter and always gets hurt.
I can’t believe the hypocracy. In June, everyone was hand wringing over cancelling the season to stay “safe”. Everyone supported players for bowing out of the season. Now, Simmons is a quitter? You have a short memory.
5 games left. He didn’t want to get injured and kill his free agency especially when Angels notified him that they weren’t going to resign him. He quit on his team. He played two months and was worried about 5 days. Pathetic. Good riddance
That certainly could be true but I’d hesitate to assign motive without knowing. You don’t know what was going on at home for him or what was happening behind the scenes. He’s never done anything remotely similar before so hard to jump to that conclusion.
Feelings hurt, Halos2017?
He walked out with five games to go in the season. He wasn’t afraid of getting Covid.
For whatever reason he walked out. The Angels wanted him for the 2021 season or they would have traded him at the deadline.
It is what it is.
I hate quitters bottom line. Glad he is gone
Obviously, we have to view his exit differently. I wish him all the luck in 2021.
Got my SS wish. Absolutely needed. I like Polanco but this is a huge upgrade on defense and Simmons usually is around league avg offense for a SS. Great move.
For the record, Simmons isn’t what he once was (who among us is). He’s now just a very good defensive SS, and probably not the best in the sport anymore, let alone the best of all time, which he once was (or second to Ozzie).
Agreed on the fact that he’s not as amazing as he was but he’s still a big upgrade on Polanco who I didn’t hate at SS
Defensively yeah. Unfortunately shortstops also hit, and they decline as they get older. The two have flat identical projections on all the projection systems.
Sure, but Simmons is typically league average for a SS in that dept. He had a down 2019 but other than that is league average for the position.
He and Polanco have a similar slash line since 2017. Polanco usually has much more power though, but it’s not like they are losing Polanco. They are adding a better defender who has had a similar batting line to the guy he’s pushing to another position. This definitely improves the team.
I think it might be a little premature to demote Simmons to Very Good-status. After ranking 1st or 2nd in dWAR from 13-18, he managed an 8th place finish while missing 59 games in ’19 (along with a 2nd best UZR, and 5th best DRS). 2020…was 2020, and I’m personally hesitant to draw conclusions from any player’s performance last year.
I guess I just haven’t seen anything to convince me that he’s not still the best defensive SS on any field he steps on.
I am a Angels fan Twins are getting a slick fielding shortstop yeah love him
Those saying Simmons is not an upgrade is laughable to me. I feel like many of us look at a starting lineup and base a team off that…as Zencka said they wanted to be a more complete team (a la Rays, Dodgers). This move simply moves Arraez to utility, which is still a ton of playing time. Also, who owns the highest dWAR of all active players (all positions)– Simmons, (Baseball Reference, 2021) and he is 30, people are acting like he is washed. The Twins are looking like a good team, you would think Cruz signs too? Can not wait for baseball in 2021, lets go!
baseball-reference.com/leaders/WAR_def_active.shtm…
Seamaholic, that’s unknown. We’ll have to see how his defense plays post the ankle and foot injuries he’s been dealing with. I wouldn’t bet on him going back to his peak, but I could certainly see him being the best defender in the game again.
Darn. Although I know the Braves don’t need him at all; kinda hopes he was coming our way.
So long as he’s not playing for a rival I’m good with it
Heh. Braves fans act like they can have like 57 players on their active roster.
Let’s not act like every fan base doesn’t do the same.
Yankees fans don’t! (Looks down and kicks rocks)
Big fan of Simba if he can get out of spring training without breaking an ankle. Great defense with an ok bat. But, he’ll quickly become a fan favorite.
Are the hedging the DH spot by freeing up Polanco’s bat just in case they can’t re-sign Cruz?
That’s probably an option. They also have Rooker who could be a DH/occasional OF. Passan thinks they’re moving Polanco to 2B which works too.
Simmons give the Twins a lot of options with their roster. Arraez gets bumped from his everyday role at 2B for Polanco. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him starting in LF on opening day, especially if they sign Cruz.
I feel like the Phils may have been saved from themselves by Minnesota, although my preference would’ve been signing someone for one year and giving Stott a look during late season call ups. If they pivot to Didi I doubt he’s taking another one year deal. Maybe just roll with Segura at SS & Kingery at 2nd?
Wouldn’t hesitate to go 2 years for Didi, Stott still hasn’t played above A ball.
$18M for Semien looks even worse now. I know Simmons doesn’t play 3b, but I’ll take him all day at this price vs Semien at $18M.
Simmons is a steal compared to what the Blue Jays gave Semien. Donaldson is still the Twins 3B until they say differently though i do wonder if the possibility of using him as a DH is one of the reasons they haven’t seriously pursued a renunion with Cruz
Pretty sure Simmons could figure out 3B if need be,
Pretty sure if Simmons is wearing a glove, he’ll be at ss.
Agreed. I was more saying that arguing SIemen is a better option because he can play 3B is foolish.
Yeah Bo would’ve been the one figuring out 3rd or 2nd….
Semien gives you a coin toss at an MVP-caliber player, and better health. Simmons has a much higher floor if healthy, but also much lower ceiling.
One great season and the rest basically Grichuk-lite. That’s not really MVP caliber.
Wow, I like it. Good job, Twins. He was on plenty of teams’ radars. And at a one-year-deal, you can’t lose on him, imho. Didi going one year and next year there will be SS all over the place
Bet Didi goes to philly and Senzel is cincys SS, they will prob trade for Galvis then mid season
Look for Didi to Phillies and Reds trade Senzel to Indians for Ahmed Rosario and Brad Zimmer
Doubt the Reds trade Senzel. I could see the Reds signing Villar. If the Rangers are willing to pay down Andrus’ salary that could be an option as well. Could always bring in Jordy Mercer or old friend Zack Cozart on minor league invites to training camp.
I think the only team that will pay Didi is the Phillies and i would expect a one year deal (maybe with an option) in-between what the Twins gave Simmons and the Jays gave Semien
Oh man! Such a good move. If Buxton, Donaldson and Simmons stay healthy all year that’s a TRIO of elite level gold glove defenders at premium positions. Hitting up the middle against twins is going to be DIFFICULT! That left side of the infield is going to be a nightly highlight reel!
Love me some JD but hard to imagine the next 3 years being very pretty.
Hot stove has really been cooking. Nice move by the Twins.
The stove is just about getting to the piping point now boys! And some girls…,you know who you are, lol!
About time! Maybe the once proud franchise known as the Cardinals who easily have the most zombie like yet loyal base, well maybe they can sign a major league free agent thus breaking Girzaliak’s catatonic state?
That’d be nice!
“Tastemaker”, what the hell does that mean?
Think this helps if he has positional flexibility. Otherwise we’ll see…..Twinkie’s better hope this isn’t nellies money
It’s not. They hardly have anyone under contract. One a 1 year deal, it’s perfect for them. Watch them add a few more players including Cruz.
Al Avila is aful.
Chris Illich is too busy putting together a horse hockey league to even notice……
We’re gonna miss Simba in Anaheim. Hes a great guy AND an incredible fielder.
Is that his nickname? How did that come about?
From 2017:
Q: So, Andrelton, how did the popular nickname initially come about?
A: “It is a simple story. During my first year in the minors with the Braves, my first manager — Paul Runge with
the Danville Braves of the Appalachian League — said ‘Andrelton’ and ‘Simmons’ were too long for him to use. So he told me he was going to call me Simba
and it just stuck from there.”
Well this is great news for Didi. He’ll have both Philadelphia and Cincinnati fighting over him now.
to think that just a few months ago there were some OFTEN and identifiable commenters on this site saying the Angels should make a QO to Simmons.
hossmandu
It was a possibility… before he got hurt and before he walked out.
Another year of playing half the games ended that possibility.
Halo11Fan – It was a ridiculous idea that the Angels would pay Simmons 19mil. Like I said then, he’s not worth it.
Once it was clear other shortstops would hit the market and not resign, and once all those other things happened, you are probably right.
But they did happen and things change. Had he played a complete season, had the Angels made the playoffs (which was a lot closer to a reality than people know) and had he played stellar defense and hit 297, then who knows.
One year contracts don’t kill you.
If the Angels planned on losing Simmons, they would have traded him last Aug. He was still in their plans.
I’m sorry HaloFan11, but nobody was going to trade for Simmons last August unless it was for a box of balls. He was not in their plans at all. Everyone knew all of these SS would hit the market.
And one year contracts at $10mil over market for a SS can seriously hinder a club’s pursuit of other more pressing issues.
No one wanted Simmons at the deadline? Teams wanted Goodwinn, LeStella and Castro but they didn’t want Simmons? Are you serious? If that’s your mindset, then fine.
Simmons had a chance to be more valuable than Semien. He wasn’t, therefore no qualifying offer. He didn’t earn it.
Wasn’t Simmons still hurt at the deadline or just coming back from his 3rd left ankle injury at that time? Either way, my recollection is that Simmons was damaged goods at last years deadline.
I think my post went something like “if the Angels offer Simmons a QO he will jump on it immediately. He’d get a $3mil raise after not playing that well”.
He would have jumped on it, but a lot happened between now and then.
he quit on the angels and slam that door shut he’s lucky to get 10 and 1/2 mil next year it’s going to drop even harder
like the D upgrade which up-grades the pitching automatically… but production wise.. the team is going backwards in runs… tomato tomahto… still leaves the White sox as the team to beat in the Central..
It’s a D upgrade as long as he’s on the field.
I rarely comment on grammar but this article was a tough one to get through. I’m guessing there was a race to get it out the door…giving TC the benefit of the doubt here.
Anyways, I’m not really sure what this does for Minnesota except improve their IF defense provided that Simba can stay healthy. I’d much rather see the Twins spend their money on more pitching or re-signing Cruz. With the additions the CWS made and Cleveland still having a dominant pitching staff, Minnesota is no longer a lock to make the playoffs. They still need to improve their starting rotation and their bullpen too. Hopefully, there are at least 3 more moves left to come. They probably project to finish 2nd in the AL Central but don’t sleep on Cleveland. Francona knows how to push all the right buttons regardless of who is left on the roster.
“All three will not re-enter free agency next season” – I assume you mean “now re-enter”?
Don’t be shocked if after Didi signs, and a good team needs a SS, Willy Adames is on the move. I love the dude, he is the Rays’ true captain, but w Wander, Brujan, and Xavier coming….
Next year’s market will be crazy.
Reds should go for Adames. maxsportingstudio.com/reds-offseason-trade-target-…
All three will not re-enter free agency next season when Trevor Story, Francisco Lindor, Corey Seager, Carlos Correa, and Javier Baez are also set to hit the open market.
I hate people who gripe about small grammatical things, but this truly changes the meaning of the sentence so genuinely want to clarify. If they all signed 1 year deals, it’s *now*, instead of *not*, correct?
Agreed. That totally changes the sentence. I questioned this myself. I thought they put the word in there purposely, not even thinking of the misspell.
Angels fans have been treated to the best defensive SS in MLB the last several years. However, Simmons rolled his left ankle three times in a 12 month period in 2019-20. Anyone who has rolled their ankle knows it can be a problem after the first time – you are more susceptible in the future.
I fear that Simmons defensive value has declined significantly as his lateral movement is hindered, he is susceptible to further ankle injuries and he is on the wrong side of 30.
I hope I’m wrong, but I would be concerned if I was a Twins fan.
I think the market agrees with you, given he only got a single year deal paired with a non-impressive AAV
Great move. Adding the best defensive shortstop in baseball elevates the entire pitching staff. They’ll still need a couple more pitchers, but MN will be a more appealing destination now with Simmons at short and hopefully healthy seasons from JD and Buxton. And a one year deal fits with Royce Lewis arrival.
Al Avila STINKS!
Why does the end of the article say that all three (Semien, Simmons, Galvis) will not re-enter free agency next year with all the other big SS names? Didn’t all 3 only sign 1 year deals?
Didi to Anaheim?…..
The last sentence of this write-up….there’s a big difference between the words NOT and NOW. Might want to change that.
Or maybe TC has a big crystal ball and already knows stuff we’re not privy to. After their contract is up, the 3, they all go, “no, we good” when free agency comes around.
Thats a rather unfortunate photo you used to accompany the byline. Looks like Tim Robbins going max effort trying to pitch.
The Twins could use a starting left fielder.
Where can the Twins find a left fielder who hit 13 HR in the Covid shortened 2020 season (compared to Simmons’ ZERO), and hit 32, 24 and 27 HRs in the three previous seasons, only 29-years-old, has a career .277 BA, is a TEAM LEADER, and would probably work for less than the $10.5 million that the light hitting Simmons with a career ..269 BA, and 7, 11 and 14 HR’s in the 3 seasons before his ZERO HR in 2020 signed for?
The fact that the Reds couldn’t/didn’t offer a similar contract for 1 year means they aren’t looking to sign a free aren’t SS and are only looking to trade for of see who might be available coming up
Al Avila STINKS!
Was Didi the last remaining SS free agent before he signed?
Cruz market is on “hold” until the league and MLPA can agree or disagree to universal DH. It will spike the pay if the DH is implicated again. Outside of Dodgers, NL will need offensive players for that role. Cruz could sign with Padres, Cards, or even Mets if the DH is added to the NL.