Braves Will Reportedly Consider Trading for 3rd Baseman if Josh Donaldson Leaves

There have been no shortage of rumors surrounding Josh Donaldson's imminent payday, and the latest buzz suggests the 34-year-old slugger is set on signing a four-year contract with either the Braves or Nationals.

With that being said, it remains to be seen if Atlanta will breach their comfort zone (they're reportedly hoping for three years) and extend a fourth year on their offer to Donaldson. If they don't, the former AL MVP will likely sign elsewhere, which reportedly has the Braves contemplating their next step for a deep postseason run in 2020.

Per David O'Brien of "The Athletic," Atlanta could orchestrate a trade for a third basemen.

With superstars like Nolan Arenado and Kris Bryant reportedly on the market, Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos could be seduced to make a blockbuster deal. After all, Atlanta simply doesn't have the assets on their roster to replace Donaldson's production -- 37 home runs, 94 RBI, .521 SLG, and .900 OPS -- from last season, unless Austin Riley takes an unprecedented leap.

Anthopoulos would, of course, have to sort out the terms of Arenado's and Bryant's current contracts. Arenado is still owed $234 million of the eight-year, $260 million he signed with the Rockies. That agreement includes a player opt-out after two more seasons.

Bryant, on the other hand, is under club control for two more years, assuming he wins his grievance against the Cubs.

It's worth noting that this report has not detailed whether the Braves have reached out to other clubs about a potential trade. Connecting the dots to available third basemen on the trade market is mere speculation.

We'll know more once it's revealed where Donaldson will be taking his talents for 2020 and beyond.