Josh Donaldson Named NL Comeback Player of the Year

The hard work Josh Donaldson put into this season has officially paid off.

After a 2018 season that saw the former AL MVP bounce around to different teams and put up subpar numbers, it looked like Donaldson's best days were behind him.

But 2019 proved to be a different story, as the 33-year-old bounced back to bat .259 and hit 37 home runs in his first year for the Braves. He was just rewarded with the NL Comeback Player of the Year for his efforts.

Donaldson is the third #Braves player this decade, and second in a row, to win NL Comeback Player of the Year, joining Tim Hudson (2010) and Jonny Venters (2018).
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) December 4, 2019

Donaldson was a key contributor for Atlanta and one of the main reasons they won 97 games and clinched the NL East. He also provided veteran leadership for the young guys on the squad like Ronald Acuña and Ozzie Albies.

Anytime I get worried about the @Braves, I just watch Josh Donaldson for 15 seconds & it all goes away!!! Acuña in the dugout making it rain... #ChopOn pic.twitter.com/2KouySQA2r
— Paul Byrd (@PaulByrd36) September 26, 2019

This prestigious award should help Donaldson, who is currently a free agent, land the long-term deal he seeks.

Donaldson also improved his defensive play immensely, making him one of the most sought-after third basemen on the free agent market. Even should the Braves fail to bring him back to the ATL for financial reasons, Donaldson's 2019 season was an unforgettable one in Atlanta.