The Angels swung a trade for All-World defensive shortstop Andrelton Simmons on Thursday, acquiring him from the Atlanta Braves in this offseason's first big trade.
For Simmons, the Angels gave up longtime shortstop Erick Aybar and their top two pitching prospects, left-hander Sean Newcomb and right-hander Chris Ellis. According to a New York Post report, they will also send $3 million to Atlanta, covering the difference between Simmons and Aybar's contracts for 2016.
Simmons, 26, is entering his fourth full major-league season. He has been one of baseball's best defenders during his first three, according to both scouts and advanced metrics.