A reserve outfielder and first baseman, the sixth-round pick of the 1985 draft debuted with the Astros in 1990, where he hit .308 in 12 games. Simms played six seasons with Houston, compiling a .219 average with 15 homers. Despite limited playing time, he was involved in turning two triple plays while an Astro, both in 1991.

He signed with the Rangers after the 1996 season and played three years there. For his overall career, Simms hit .257 with 36 homers over nine seasons.