Josh Donaldson's Market is Big and it Seems the Braves Are Out of the Running
The Atlanta Braves have not advanced beyond the NLDS in the MLB postseason since 2001. Back-to-back NLDS appearances in 2018 and 2019 built optimism, but the team appears to be a player or two away from truly contending.
Josh Donaldson showed up in 2019 on a one-year, $23 million deal that showed the Braves were ready to spend to win. He hit 37 home runs, drove in 94, and was actually a key asset on defense at third base.
The problem for Atlanta is that such success on a one-year deal means the bidding war is underway once again.
The Atlanta #Braves' competition for free-agent third baseman Josh Donaldson #Nationals, #Dodgers, #Twins, #Rangers and #Phillies.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 4, 2019
The Minnesota Twins are the only team in that above tweet that aren't in a big market, so that should concern Braves fans.
Even if the Braves can match most deals, Donaldson may want to go somewhere like Los Angeles or Philadelphia in the hopes of winning a World Series. The reigning champs could also sway the veteran third baseman.
#Braves keep taking items off their shopping list, reaching terms with Cole Hamels for 1 yr, $18M @JeffPassan 1st. That leaves them looking at 3b, would love to bring back Josh Donaldson, who has many suitors.
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) December 4, 2019
The Braves are clearly trying to remain atop the National League and may have to overpay Donaldson to get him back, unless he's willing to return without breaking the bank.
The market is luckily moving faster this offseason so Donaldson could have a new home any day now. Whatever team acquires him is landing a veteran with a ton of experience and someone who could be a nice, cheaper alternative to someone like superstar Anthony Rendon.