Major League Baseball Trade Roundup

The Atlanta Braves traded Andrelton Simmons to the Los Angeles Angels for Erick Aybar and top pitching prospects Sean Newcomb and Chris Ellis on Thursday night.

The Braves also get $2.5 million, and the Angels get minor league catcher Jose Briceno in a deal headlined by two quality major league shortstops trading places on teams with differing needs.

Simmons is arguably the best defensive shortstop in baseball, offsetting his mediocre offensive skills. He won the Gold Glove in 2013 and 2014, and was named the Wilson Defensive Player of the Year on Wednesday.

Simmons also is under contract through 2020, whereas Aybar could become a free agent next winter.

Mariners Acquire Benoit

Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto is wasting little time in addressing one of his team's most glaring needs.

Seattle added to its bullpen Thursday, acquiring 38-year-old right-hander Joaquin Benoit from the San Diego Padres for two minor league prospects -- right-handed pitcher Enyel De Los Santos and infielder Nelson Ward.

Rasmus Reported to  Accept Astros' Offer

A person familiar with the decision tells The Associated Press that outfielder Colby Rasmus has accepted the Astros' one-year, $15.8 million qualifying offer, making him the first free agent to agree to such a deal.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity Thursday because the team hasn't announced the move.

Braves Re-sign Pierzynski

Veteran catcher A.J. Pierzynski will return for another season with the Atlanta Braves after agreeing to a $3 million, one-year contract.

Pierzynski, 38, was a rare bright spot for the Braves this past season. Signed to serve mainly as a backup, he wound up handling the bulk of the catching duties, hitting .300 with nine homers and 49 RBIs in 113 games.