Rangers Reportedly Out on Josh Donaldson
The Texas Rangers were one of many teams linked to Anthony Rendon before he signed a mega deal with the Los Angeles Angels. Rendon's signing left Josh Donaldson as the top third baseman on the open market.
Well, the Rangers are reportedly not as high on Donaldson as they were on Rendon, and will not be pursuing him to hold down the hot corner in 2020 due to his price tag.
Sources indicate that the price on Josh Donaldson has exceeded the Rangers' comfort level, and they are likely out.
— Levi Weaver (@ThreeTwoEephus) December 12, 2019
So ignore the first option I listed here, I guess https://t.co/lEXNujroVm
The Rangers are looking to be big spenders in the offseason, which was made clear by their pursuit of Rendon. However, it seems Donaldson is commanding a rather sizable contract, and at 34-years-old, the Rangers didn't feel comfortable committing to him.
Still, third base represents a glaring need for the Rangers, who cycled through various options at the position in 2019, and ultimately saw minimal production.
I don't think Rangers will make a serious bid on Josh Donaldson. You have to go 4 years and Rangers won't do it. I'm ok with that.
— Mike Bacsik (@MikeBacsik) December 12, 2019
While it's understandable that the Rangers are hesitant to pony up and hand Donaldson a fat check, they still desperately need to address their lack of a quality third baseman.
The Washington Nationals, Philadelphia Phillies, and Atlanta Braves all stand out as potential landing spots for Donaldson. Wherever he goes, it appears the Rangers made it clear he is going to get a big contract, or at least one bigger than they were willing to offer.