3 Backup Plans for Braves if They Can't Land Josh Donaldson

Josh Donaldson is primed to return to the Atlanta Braves; after helping them to a playoff berth with 37 home runs and 94 RBIs, the Bringer of Rain deserves to be handsomely rewarded, and many predict that the Braves won't hesitate to offer him a glamorous contract. But what if the Braves aren't able to land Donaldson? It's very much possible that he ends up with the Phillies, Nationals, or even a dark horse team that could snatch him up from the jaws of the NL East. Here are three backup plans for the Braves in case Donaldson chooses to depart from Atlanta.

3. Sign Todd Frazier

Todd Frazier could fit the needs of the Braves / Emilee Chinn/Getty Images

The ToddFather could prove to be a serviceable replacement for Donaldson. In fact, they're quite similar to each other: both are pretty solid fielders who can hit the ball a mile but don't hit for average. Last year, Frazier hit .251 with 21 home runs for the New York Mets, and while that's not exactly Donaldson-esque, it'll do for the Braves. The fact that Frazier's spent the last two seasons hitting against NL East pitchers would only further benefit the Braves as well.

2. Start Austin Riley

Austin Riley deserves a shot at starting at third for the Braves / Mitchell Layton/Getty Images

Austin Riley might have struggled in the big leagues last season, but the kid's only 22. He showed good pop at the plate with 18 home runs in only 274 at bats, and if he could reduce his strikeout totals, he'd be a fine in-house everyday third baseman for the Braves, who seriously shouldn't overthink this, even in a year where they're primed to battle for a playoff spot. While Riley played four positions overall in Atlanta last season, he's previously called third base "his roots," suggesting a level of comfort at the hot corner.

1. Trade for Kris Bryant

Kris Bryant could find his way to Atlanta / Denis Poroy/Getty Images

If all else fails, trade for a stud player. That's exactly what the Braves could do, with Cubs star third baseman Kris Bryant reportedly on the block. The Braves have a healthy farm system and likely have the resources to successfully trade a couple of prospects in exchange for one of the game's most exciting players. Sure, it might cost them Austin Riley as well, but if you're not willing to start Riley at the hot corner, why not invest in a proven third baseman at that point?