JUST IN: Angels MVP Finalist Joins Red Sox in Shocking Move

Nearly a decade ago, the Angels pulled off one of the most significant trades in their history. On November 12, 2015, newly appointed GM Billy Eppler made his first big splash, trading Sean Newcomb, fan-favorite Erick Aybar, and Chris Ellis to the Atlanta Braves. In return, the Angels acquired José Briceño and defensive wizard Andrelton Simmons. Fast forward to 2025, and only one player from that deal is still active in affiliated baseball: Sean Newcomb, who just signed a minor league deal with the Boston Red Sox.

 

At the time of the trade, Newcomb was the Angels’ top prospect and ranked 17th overall in baseball. Known for his ability to generate vertical movement on pitches, Newcomb struggled with control and limiting hard contact throughout his career. Now 31, the Red Sox are taking a chance on him as a bullpen arm, hoping he can build on recent improvements.

This trade set the stage for future Angels GM Perry Minasian, as it marked the beginning of an extensive trading relationship between the Angels and Braves. The Simmons deal was a clear win for the Angels and arguably one of their best trades. Simmons’ arrival boosted the team during his prime years, though it also marked the start of the Angels’ decline as contenders.

Simmons, already renowned for his defense, enjoyed a career-best offensive stretch with the Angels. After a solid debut season in 2016, he excelled in 2017 and 2018, posting OPS marks of .752 and .754, respectively. His standout performances earned him eighth place in AL MVP voting in 2017 and fifteenth in 2018, trailing only superstar Mike Trout. By the time Shohei Ohtani emerged as an MVP-caliber player in 2021, Simmons had moved on to the Twins and was no longer at his peak.

Now a beloved figure in Angels history, Simmons’ legacy contrasts with Newcomb’s career trajectory, as the former top prospect seeks a fresh start in Boston.