Twins, Simmons ink one-year, $10.5 million deal

Many Minnesota Twins fans have been waiting on a big-splash signing by the front office this season. They’ve signed deals with J.A. Happ and someone else, not quenching the thirst of fans in an otherwise quiet winter in most of the MLB world. Tonight, Twins fans can rejoice.

Jeff Passan has broken news that the Twins and shortstop Andrelton Simmons, whose first name is confusing to type for my cold fingers, have come to an agreement on a one-year, $10.5 million deal. The Curaçao native has spent nine season in the majors with the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, racking up 67 home runs total and owning a .269/.317/.379 (.696) batting line in 1060 games. However, he’s probably better known for his defensive abilities, probably the best shortstop in the game, where he owns four Gold Gloves and a Platinum Glove. His dWAR (courtesy of baseball-reference.com) is at 26.6 for his career.

Simmons will slot into the shortstop position on a regular basis for Minnesota. So what happens to Jorge Polanco? Darren Wolfson of KSTP notes that the team has been in close contact with Polanco, who will move to second base defensively moving forward. That will supplant Luis Arraez, who will still get time as a super-utility player with the club.

After a few seasons of bomba action, the Twins have gone ahead and bolstered their defense for 2021. Maybe now it’s time to net Nelson Cruz and some pitching help.

Welcome aboard, Andrelton Simmons!