Josh Donaldson Reportedly Set on 4-Year Deal With Either Nationals or Braves
By Michael Luciano
After re-establishing himself as one of the best power-hitting infielders in the game, Josh Donaldson is on the verge of securing a major payday.
The 34-year-old Donaldson is reportedly deciding between the Washington Nationals, who lost MVP candidate third baseman Anthony Rendon to the Los Angeles Angels in free agency, and the Atlanta Braves, with whom Donaldson starred last season. An unnamed "mystery team" is also in on him.
Josh Donaldson will definitely get 4-year contract just a question of whether whether it comes from #Nats, #Braves or a mystery team.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 20, 2019
After starting his career with the Oakland Athletics, Donaldson really took off when he was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays, as he won the 2015 AL MVP after hitting 41 long balls and driving in 123.
Donaldson struggled to stay healthy in 2018, but rebounded with a terrific season in Atlanta. He slammed 37 home runs and drove in 94 runs, all the while positing an OPS+ of 127 and accumulating a WAR of 6.1, helping the Braves win the NL East over Washington.
Josh Donaldson reportedly has interest from multiple teams, prefers the Braves. https://t.co/2LKepbhbvS pic.twitter.com/y8unFkW51F
— theScore (@theScore) December 12, 2019
Washington signing Donaldson would not only solve their hole at third base, but it would serve as a nice opportunity to stick it to one of their rivals.
It seems Atlanta may get the last word here, but there's a good chance the Bringer of Rain could be bringing the pain to his former mates. Unless the mystery team has something else in mind...