The Minnesota Twins inked Andrelton Simmons to a one-year/$10.5 million contract this offseason. What was supposed to be a competitive season is now a development year for the Twins. With that in mind, should the team designate Simmons for assignment?

Simmons has been in the league for 10 seasons and has already had a successful career. Thus far, he’s been a four-time Gold Glove and Platinum Glove winner and a recipient of the Wilson Overall Defensive Player of the Year.

He’s also received MVP votes three times in his career.

Minnesota took a one-year flyer on the defensive shortstop, but it hasn’t panned out as well as many would’ve hoped. With this signing, the Twins moved Jorge Polanco to second base, where he’s looked fantastic. To Simmons’ credit, his defense has been good, just not as great as he was advertised at the beginning of the year.

This season, his defensive wins above replacement is 1.2. He also has a fielding percentage of .972 and has committed 12 errors. Of players who have played more than 100 games at shortstop, Simmons ranks fourth in DWAR, 12th in errors committed and 13th in fielding percentage.

Even if he hasn’t lived up to the Gold Glove standard, Simmons has been good on that side of the ball. He also provides a defensive cushion for the young pitchers on the mound, something that’s not talked about enough. Where he’s been a negative value is on offense.

This year his batting splits haven’t been great, currently .221/.285/.279. He wasn’t going to be a power hitter, but he’s only hit 3 home runs and batted in 27 RBIs. In 106 games, Simmons is yet to hit over 100 total bases (97), which is pretty incredible.

Here are some categories he currently sits poorly amongst the 2021 MLB Percentile Rankings:

• Hard Hit Percentage (1)
• Expected Slugging percentage (1)
• Barrel Percentage (1)
• Expected Weighted On-Base Average (2)
• Expected Batting Average (24)
• Base on Balls (33)
• Chase Rate (43)

If Minnesota decided to DFA Simmons, what could they do with an open roster spot? Should they add minor-league sensation, Jose Miranda? Or give Nick Gordon an extended look?

Miranda deserves to be on the roster, but if they believe he’s their long-term third baseman, then they will turn to Gordon as their short-term solution.

If the answer is Gordon, he would play second and Polanco would move back to shortstop. Minnesota drafted Gordon with their fifth overall pick in the 2014 MLB Draft and has finally earned playing time this season.

In 123 at-bats, he’s currently hitting .236, with one home run and eight RBIs. His on-base percentage is .293 and his slugging sits at .317. Gordon has played second, shortstop and centerfield for the Twins, bringing defensive versatility.

With extended playing time, Gordon might show something we haven’t already seen. However, it’s becoming clear he would be better suited as a utility role player.

The Twins aren’t making the playoffs this season, which means they should look at the possibility of designating Simmons for assignment. Doing so will allow Minnesota’s younger players to get an extended look before heading into the offseason.