Andrelton

Simmons

Hat tip to MLB Trade Rumors for noticing. Simmons was announced as part of the Middle East league Baseball United this fall, but apparently that didn’t take. An all-time great defensive shortstop, and a league-average hitter early in his career, Simmons was on a Hall of Fame path through age 28, but he injured his left ankle in spring training in 2019 and, whether that was all there was to it or not, he was never the same player again. He wound up playing in just 195 big-league games after turning 30. Still just 34 now, he finishes his career at .263/.312/.366 with 37.7 bWAR in 4,816 plate appearances.

Simmons was granted his unconditional release after being designated for assignment earlier this week by the Cubs. The 32-year-old shortstop struggled with injuries this season, hitting just .173/.244/.187 across 85 plate appearances in 34 games.

Simmons signed a one-year, $4 million contract with the Cubs last offseason and wound up hitting just .173/.244/.187 with four steals in 85 plate appearances. The 32-year-old defensive wizard, who just wrapped up a minor league rehab assignment coming back from a right shoulder strain, has been limited to just 34 games this season due to numerous injuries. Given his defensive prowess, he could easily latch on with a contender as a potential late-inning defensive specialist.

Simmons has been awful at the plate this year, and also has dealt with a right shoulder strain. He has a chance to return for the Cubs at some point in August.

Simmons would appear close to a rehab assignment as he works his way back from a right shoulder strain. He had a dreadful .431 OPS this season.

A sprained bat still doesn’t qualify for an IL stint, so the Cubs came up with something else. It was either shoulder strain or giant fork stuck in back.

Yes, his first extra-base hit as a Cub. It was his first hit of any kind since June 18, as his utter futility offensively has left him in a bit role. He’s hitting .183/.247/.197 in 79 plate appearances.

It’s certainly not fair to write off anyone after a dozen games, but this began last year for Simmons, as he batted just .233/.283/.274 in Minnesota. He’s pretty much incapable of hitting the ball hard right now, and while his defense is still good, it’s not what it was in his prime. He should be a true backup if the Cubs can keep their young infielders healthy.

Simmons made his Cubs’ debut Sunday evening against the Diamondbacks as a defensive replacement in the ninth inning after missing the opening five weeks of the season due to a right shoulder injury. The 32-year-old defensive wizard offers more real-life value to Chicago at shortstop than as a fantasy contributor at this stage of his career.

Simmons will take Nico Hoerner’s spot on the active roster after Hoerner landed on the injured list with an ankle sprain. The 32-year-old veteran should get regular playing time at shortstop going forward after he missed the start of the season with a shoulder issue.