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Andrelton Simmons happy to be with team ready to win now

Brett Davis / Reuters

Andrelton Simmons didn't see Thursday's trade to the Los Angeles Angels coming, but he's happy it occurred.

"I didn't expect it, but in the back of my mind, I had an idea there's a chance," Simmons told reporters. "I'm happy to be part of an organization that's trying to win right now."

Simmons was traded from the Atlanta Braves - the only MLB team he had ever played for - to the Angels, along with catcher Jose Briceno, in exchange for shortstop Erick Aybar, and pitchers Sean Newcomb, and Chris Ellis.

The acquisition of the 26-year-old Simmons was the first big move made by the Angels' new general manager, Billy Eppler, since he took over the role on Oct. 4.

"Andrelton provides us up-the-middle foundation at a premium position for years to come," Eppler said in a statement. "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."

Simmons, who recently won Defensive Player of the Year, is considered one of the best defensive shortstops in baseball after posting an impressive defensive runs saved total of 113 over his last four seasons with the Braves.

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