The same site estimates that Simmons’ production in Anaheim could be valued at $124.2 million.Īnkle injuries slowed Simmons the last two seasons. He also accumulated 15.5 wins above replacement, according to Fangraphs. Simmons won two of his four Gold Gloves in an Angels uniform. 718 OPS with 125 RBIs and 22 stolen bases in 279 games from 2018-20. Simmons, 31, would be a prime candidate for a team seeking not only elite defense but solid offensive production. “I can stack him up against any of the better guys I've ever had as a teammate, or as a manager,” Maddon said when asked if Fletcher could be Simmons’ long-term replacement. Maddon was complimentary of Fletcher’s ability on the left side of the infield when Fletcher, a Gold Glove finalist at third base a year ago, filled in at shortstop during Simmons’ absence from July 28 to Aug. Simmons’ opt-out opens the door for utility man David Fletcher to prove once more that he’s capable of handling shortstop on a regular basis. “He's really a big part of what we're doing right now.” The Angels went 12-7 to start September, the third-best record in the American League during that span.
297 with seven doubles and 10 RBIs in 30 games. Still, Maddon lamented the exit of Simmons, who missed 22 games because of a left ankle sprain but batted. They already secured their fifth consecutive season with a losing record under general manager Billy Eppler, whose first move after being hired in October 2015 was to acquire Simmons in a five-player trade with the Atlanta Braves.
Even if they were to win both games in San Diego and sweep the season-ending series with the Dodgers, the Angels would need the teams ahead of them in the standings to stumble in order to clinch a playoff berth.īarring a miracle finish, the Angels will miss the playoffs for a sixth straight year. The Angels entered Tuesday’s matchup with the Padres trailing the Houston Astros by 3½ games for second place in the American League West. They probably will direct most of their budget to landing front-line pitching. With $116 million in 2021 payroll committed to Mike Trout, Anthony Rendon, Justin Upton and Albert Pujols, it seems unlikely the Angels would sign Simmons to a long-term deal. Simmons, who was replaced on the 40-man roster by 31-year-old rookie Elliot Soto, is making the prorated portion of $15 million this season. “I can’t pay myself to play here,” he said in a videoconference, “so it’s not my decision.” It is uncertain whether the Angels will attempt to retain Simmons, who last week was noncommittal about his chances of returning to Anaheim.
At this moment, I feel this is the best decision for me and for my family.” He also said: “Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association developed an environment and system that empowered players and provided us the opportunity to decide on whether to play or opt out of the season. In a statement provided to The Times, Simmons thanked the Angels for their hospitality. When I go out to take out pitchers, he’ll be asking questions about different things.” “Name in the lineup, ready to go, bumps fists before the game, smiles easily, talks easily, is always willing to converse when we go out to the mound. Simmons hadn’t seemed disenchanted with the Angels. Maddon was surprised when he received the news of Simmons’ departure while driving from Angel Stadium to his Long Beach home after Monday’s victory over the Texas Rangers. Simmons’ seven-year, $58-million contract expires this fall. Manager Joe Maddon said after the Angels’ 4-2 win over the San Diego Padres on Tuesday that he was able to reach Simmons via a “very warm” text message, but he didn’t offer any clarity on the decision, which effectively brought Simmons’ career in an Angels uniform to a close. Andrelton Simmons informed the team Monday evening he has opted out of the remainder of the season because of COVID-19 concerns, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. If the Angels manage to make the postseason, they will be doing so without the Gold Glove shortstop who has spent five years in Anaheim dazzling with acrobatic plays. Angels shortstop Andrelton Simmons has opted out of playing the remainder of the 2020 season.