Braves Reportedly Remain Favorites for Josh Donaldson After Nationals Sign Eric Thames
By Mark Powell
The Atlanta Braves remain in the driver's seat to re-sign slugger Josh Donaldson, especially after their main competition for his services -- the division rival Washington Nationals -- inked Eric Thames on Monday.
Donaldson is the largest remaining free agent prize left to be claimed this Winter. Atlanta needs him most, as without Donaldson hitting near the top of their lineup they lack the necessary power to compete with the likes of Washington and perhaps even Philadelphia despite their young corps. The former MVP puts them over the top, perhaps even securing their bid as NL East favorites.
Josh Donaldson remains in the picture for the #Nats, although the Atlanta #Braves certainly the clear-cut favorite to bring back the free-agent third baseman.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) January 6, 2020
Donaldson is taking his time, as he should in what could be his last remaining large pay-day. He's holding out for a four-year deal worth over $100 million, which the Braves have committed to giving him. It remains to be seen if Washington or even the Minnesota Twins will match said offer.
Josh Donaldson getting offers from Braves, Nats and Twins all in the 4-year, $100M range, per @Feinsand pic.twitter.com/iXa94lSqAz
— Bleacher Report MLB (@BR_MLB) January 2, 2020
A Donaldson-Atlanta pairing seems likely to continue for the foreseeable future, sustaining an intriguing NL East battle for years to come between Atlanta and the 2019 World Series champions.