With the 2018 MLB trade deadline having come and gone, the Blue Jays have seen their squad change in some key ways.
At this point in the season, with the current state of their ballclub, the Toronto organization realized it was time to commence with a rebuild.
One player that still remains, though, is star third baseman Josh Donaldson. The 32-year-old has dealt with quite the rocky season, with injuries plaguing him throughout the campaign. But this has not deterred any contenders from possibly making a move for him down the stretch.
Josh Donaldson (calf) “doing great” per Ross Atkins. #BlueJays 3B has “made a ton of progress in the last week” and now seeing more power in his lower half.
— Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) July 31, 2018
Even with the passing of the July 31st non-waiver trade deadline, this doesn't mean Donaldson cannot be the subject of a potential deal due to his limited playing time this season, as he remains on the DL.
Toronto will certainly be hoping to move him in exchange for any type of return, as his contract expires at the end of this season.
Re. Josh Donaldson...#BlueJays cannot pass him thru waivers while he's still on DL. I had thought they could simply slip him thru Aug 1, but that's not the case Makes getting him through waivers a bit trickier
— Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) July 31, 2018
Remains an August trade candidate. Most important variable: health
In the 36 games he has played this season, the three-time All-Star has accumulated a batting average of .234 with five home runs and 16 RBI.
The key factor here is certainly health. But with a little bit of luck on their side, a contender could find themselves striking gold if they can snag the 2015 AL MVP.