Atlanta Braves: Projected 2016 Starting Lineup

SHORTSTOP

Jul 27, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Atlanta Braves shortstop

(19) tries to turn a double play over Baltimore Orioles shortstop

(2) in the second inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

SHORTSTOP: The defensive wizard Andrelton Simmons will remain firmly entrenched at shortstop next season after signing a 7-year deal with the Atlanta Braves in 2014. The Platinum Glove Award Winner will continue to provide his insane defensive skills on the infield for years to come.

In order though for Simmons to take the next step in his development of becoming a premier shortstop in the majors, his bat must come around. He is currently hitting .259 with 2 homers and 32 RBI’s in 2015 — contributing hardly anything on to the Braves already inept offense. He is still young at 25-years-old, so he has not yet entered his “prime”. Hopefully next year Simmons will take the next step and become not only a defensive threat, but an offensive one.

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