10-Time Gold Glove Wizard Andrelton Simmons: The Cubs’ Dream Trade Target to Lock Down Wrigley’s Infield.vc
Chicago, October 30, 2025 – The Chicago Cubs’ 2025 was a tantalizing tease: 92 wins, an NLDS berth, and a young core flashing brilliance from Pete Crow-Armstrong’s 30-30 exploits to Cade Horton’s rookie mastery. But with Dansby Swanson’s .244 slump (1.2 WAR) and third base inconsistencies (Matt Shaw’s rookie promise but 18% K-rate), the infield remains a glaring gap. Enter Andrelton Simmons, the 35-year-old defensive demigod whose 10 Gold Gloves (2013–2017, 2018, 2020–2022) make him the ultimate trade steal from the Los Angeles Angels. Projected as a low-cost acquisition ($5–7M AAV), Simmons’ 2025 resurgence (.262/.315/.392, +10 DRS at shortstop) could anchor the Cubs’ glove work, projected to boost their infield DRS by 15 runs. “Andrelton’s a vacuum cleaner—elite defense at a fraction of the cost,” MLBTR’s Mark Polishuk said. With Swanson trade buzz and Shaw’s future secure at third, is Simmons the wizardry Wrigley needs to chop through the NL Central?
Simmons’ Glove Legacy: 10 Gold Gloves and a Defensive Dynasty
Simmons’ career is a defensive dissertation. Drafted 70th overall by Atlanta in 2010, he debuted in 2012 and became a wizard: Four straight Gold Gloves (2013–2016) with a record +41 DRS in 2013, then three more with the Angels (2018, 2020–2021). His 10 Gloves tie him for second all-time among shortstops (behind Ozzie Smith’s 13), with +150 career DRS (top-5 ever). In 2025, at 35, he posted +10 DRS in 120 games, a .262 average, and a .707 OPS—solid for a glove-first vet.
For the Cubs, whose infield ranked 24th in DRS (-5 at shortstop), Simmons is a salve. His range (85th-percentile sprint speed) and arm (90th-percentile) stabilize Swanson’s miscues or slide to third behind Shaw. “Andrelton turns grounders to gold— +15 runs saved minimum,” FanGraphs’ Jay Jaffe projected. His leadership—mentoring prospects like Matt Shaw—echoes his 2018 Angels mentorship of Shohei Ohtani.
The Trade Fit: Low Cost, High Impact for Hoyer’s Vision
Tucker’s $427M exit leaves a 4.5 fWAR void, but Simmons fills a subtler gap: Defense wins divisions. The Angels—78-84 in 2025—are rebuilding, making Simmons ($5–7M arb salary) expendable. A package of mid-prospects (e.g., Brandon Birdsell) could seal it, per ESPN’s Jeff Passan. “Simmons is the buy-low glove Hoyer craves—elite at short or third,” Passan noted. With Swanson’s $25M AAV drawing trade interest (Yankees, Phillies), Simmons as a one-year bridge buys time for Shaw’s ascent.
Risk? Age 35 decline (2024’s .211 average), but 2025’s rebound screams bounce-back. “Andrelton’s glove doesn’t age— +10 DRS at 35? Vintage,” a scout told The Athletic.
| Stat | Simmons 2025 | Swanson 2025 | Projection Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVG/OPS | .262/.707 | .244/.717 | Neutral bat, elite glove |
| DRS | +10 | -5 | +15 runs saved |
| WAR | 1.8 | 1.2 | +0.6 WAR boost |
The Bigger Picture: Cubs’ Infield Imperative
Swanson’s slump and Shaw’s 18% K-rate expose fragility—the Cubs’ infield ranked 24th in wRC+ (85 at shortstop). Simmons’ versatility (SS/3B) pairs with Nico Hoerner’s glue, projecting a top-5 infield DRS. Hoyer’s thrift—Bellinger’s $80M, Imanaga’s $53M—screams yes to Simmons’ $5–7M. On X, #SimmonsToCubs trends: “10 Gloves for $6M? Hoyer, do it!”
Conclusion
Andrelton Simmons isn’t a splash—he’s a stabilizer. A 10-time Gold Glove vet at $5–7M could lock down the Cubs’ infield, turning 92 wins into 95+. Hoyer, pull the trigger: Simmons is the wizardry Wrigley needs. Braves fans, your glove god awaits—trade for the gold.
