Atlanta Braves 2021: Dansby Swanson or Andrelton Simmons?

Atlanta Braves – Comparing the Bats: Andrelton Simmons

Simmons never moved the needle much with the lumber. The one thing he’s always been good at is not striking out. It doesn’t matter a whole lot if you continuously hit softly into easy outs, which is what he does.

While ranking in the top 100th-percentile in (lowest) K% he ranks in the bottom 3rd percentile in barrel %, bottom 4th percentile in slugging, bottom 22nd percentile in hard-hit%, bottom 28th percentile in exit velocity, and bottom 2nd in xwOBA.

The bottom line, he doesn’t offer much with the bat.

Atlanta Braves – Comparing the Bats: Dansby Swanson

The bat is the difference-maker for Swanson. Last season he was in the top 65th percentile or higher in exit velocity, hard-hit percentage, xwOBA, xBA, xSLG, and barrel percentage. He was also in the 88th percentile in sprint speed.

Atlanta Braves 2021 Conclusion

My choice is Swanson. Without knowing the type of season he is going to put forth in 2020 (assuming we get some sort of a season) the upside with his bat is too good to pass up. He showed he has 30+ homer potential last season. He’s above-average with the glove and he’s younger than Simmons.

As Simmons ages, you have to imagine his defensive skills will. For what it’s worth, last season was the lowest DRS he’s had in a season, despite the fact that it was still good for second-best in the American League.

If the glove begins to deteriorate, you have to think the bat won’t be improving. Simmons appears to be on an upward trajectory and has a ceiling much higher than a defensive specialist.

Don’t take that the wrong way. I’m not knocking Simmons. It was an absolute honor to be able to watch him night-in, night-out when he was with the Braves. That time has passed.