Andrelton Simmons: Top 3 landing spots for veteran free agent shortstop

Andrelton Simmons is one of the best defensive shortstops of all time. Entering his 12th season, though, the shortstop has not signed with a new team. He last played for the Chicago Cubs in 2022.

He's been one of the best defenders in baseball since his debut, recording an absurd 201 defensive runs saved in 10,300 innings at shortstop.

Only once has he had a negative defensive season and that was in 2020 when he had -2 (still not that bad) in just 260 innings. He still has plenty to offer a team, especially as a veteran. Which teams should look into signing him?

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#1 New York Yankees

New York Yankees v Boston Red Sox

The New York Yankees could be an interesting landing spot. They're currently trying to figure out their starting shortstop role. Simmons is likely not an upgrade over any of them, but it's still worth looking into. If they decide to trade Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Anthony Volpe stays in the minors, that leaves Oswaldo Cabrera and Oswald Peraza.

If Cabrera starts in left field, then the Yankees have one shortstop and the defensive wizard Simmons is suddenly not a bad option. He would be an excellent defensive substitution no matter what they went with.

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#2 Los Angeles Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers already lost Trea Turner via free agency. Then, Gavin Lux went down. With Miguel Rojas coming to town, the Dodgers have their de facto shortstop, but depth and competition in the form of a veteran is never a bad thing.

The Dodgers are trying to save money for 2024 so they can sign Shohei Ohtani, but Simmons wouldn't cost very much either way.

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#3 Atlanta Braves

Could Andrelton Simmons reunite with the Atlanta Braves?

Andrelton Simmons had his best years as a member of the Atlanta Braves, where his career started. After letting Dansby Swanson walk, they don't have a lot of shortstop depth, so a reunion could certainly be in the works.

It seems like it's Vaughn Grissom's position to lose, but Simmons could be a veteran backup and make a huge impact on Grissom's development.