4 Teams Besides the Braves That Should Pursue Josh Donaldson

Third baseman Josh Donaldson is one of the top free agents on the market after a monster 2019 campaign with the Atlanta Braves. There's a good chance he returns to Atlanta, as they have the need at third base and he has a great relationship with GM Alex Anthopoulos. However, if another teams offers him more money, it wouldn't be shocking if he took it and left.

Here are four teams besides the Braves that should pursue Donaldson in free agency.

4. Washington Nationals

The defending World Series champs will do everything they can to re-sign Anthony Rendon, but what should they do if they can't? The Washington Nationals don't have anyone internally they can stick at the hot corner, so going after the second-best option in Donaldson would ideally be their course of action.

3. St. Louis Cardinals

The St. Louis Cardinals aren't totally giving up on Matt Carpenter, who struggled mightily in 2019, but if they can upgrade their offense by signing Donaldson, they shouldn't even hesitate. Donaldson is a game-changing right-handed bat, which they'll need in the worst way if Marcell Ozuna signs elsewhere in free agency.

2. Texas Rangers

The Texas Rangers are moving into a new ballpark in 2020 and they'll need to add some firepower to garner more interest, and it's already been reported that they're interested in Donaldson. Anthony Rendon, who is a Texas native, will be their top option, but bringing in Donaldson isn't a bad Plan B.

1. Philadelphia Phillies

It's clear the Philadelphia Phillies can't continue to bet on Maikel Franco becoming that right-handed slugger they envisioned when he was a heralded prospect. They need to move on and bring in a new face at the hot corner, and Donaldson would be a perfect addition to go along with Bryce Harper and Rhys Hoskins. Talk about a dominant middle of the lineup.