Andrelton Simmons Trade Rumors: Latest Buzz, Speculation Surrounding Braves SS

The Atlanta Braves may be in the midst of a rebuilding phase, but that doesn't mean they're willing to part with star shortstop Andrelton Simmons.

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Mets Fail to Entice Braves in Simmons Talks

Monday, July 27

Buster Olney of ESPN reported the Braves "placed an unreachable price tag" on Simmons in talks that went "nowhere." The Mets, who are a surprising second in the NL East, are looking to upgrade their roster before the deadline for a playoff push. Wilmer Flores has handled the shortstop duties this season, but he could have moved to second base had New York acquired Simmons.

A Gold Glover each of the last two seasons, Simmons is perhaps the best defensive shortstop in baseball. He currently has a 2.2 WAR despite being an active negative on offense, per FanGraphs. If the trend continues, it'd be the third straight year he had a negative offensive value but put himself over with otherworldly defense.

Simmons, 25, is hitting .263/.325/.343 with three home runs and 30 RBI. His batting average and on-base percentage would be the best since his rookie season, but he has never recaptured his 2013 pop (17 home runs). He's one of a number of Braves struggling with their bat, as Atlanta sits 23rd in runs and 28th in slugging.

“I’m still working, still growing,” Simmons said last month, per David Lee of the Albany Herald. “We’ve been working on staying up the middle more, staying on the ball, learning how to hit the off-speed a little better. We’re making progress.”

Even with Atlanta sitting 46-52 and well out of the playoff race, it'd be unlikely to see Simmons on the move. He and Freddie Freeman are two young cornerstone talents the Braves hope will push their next run at contention. It'd take an awful lot for them to give up on either.

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