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It's officially hot stove season, and that means some big names are getting bandied about. The latest one? Braves shortstop and two-time Gold Glove winner Andrelton Simmons. The 26 year old is due $53 million over the next five seasons, and with Atlanta still rebuilding, they seem to be looking to offload that kind of contract, affordable as it may be.
Source: #Braves trade talks with NL West team revolve around Andrelton Simmons.
— Jonah Keri (@jonahkeri) November 12, 2015
Hm. If only there was a team in the NL West that was happy to take on large contracts. You know, the kind of team that would pick up a one year rental on a power hitter, an expensive closer, and the albatross that came with him? That sounds wonderful, but don't get your hopes up to fast. Right now A.J. Preller is just doing his due diligence right now.
Source: The Padres have checked in on Andrelton Simmons, but nothing is close at this time.
— Dennis Lin (@dennistlin) November 12, 2015
Simmons has a mediocre bat, but it might be worth it to fill the gaping hole that has plagued shortstop at Petco Park since the departure of Khalil Greene.