Angels, Braves swap shortstops

The Los Angeles Angels and Atlanta Braves traded starting shortstops in a five-player swap on Thursday with Erick Aybar going to Atlanta and Andrelton Simmons joining the Angels.

Atlanta also received minor league pitchers Sean Newcomb and Chris Ellis along with $2.5 million, while Los Angeles added minor league catcher Jose Briceno as part of the deal.

Aybar, 31, who began his Major League Baseball career with the Angels in 2006, becomes a free agent at the end of the 2016 season. Defensive wizard Simmons, a 26-year-old from Curacao, provides Los Angeles with a new fixture at the position.

"We are extremely excited to acquire an impact shortstop and one that fits our championship standards," said Angels general manager Billy Eppler.

“To know we have a player with Andrelton's talents, drive and competitiveness at such a young age signed through 2020 is a vital step in adding to our core group."

Aybar batted .270 with 30 doubles last season, while Simmons hit .265 and was named Defensive Player of the Year on Wednesday.