Nationals Reportedly Ready to Pursue Josh Donaldson as Potential Replacement for Anthony Rendon
Although the Nationals just re-signed Stephen Strasburg to a huge deal, they're still not confident in retaining their other coveted free agent in Anthony Rendon.
Rendon was arguably the Nats' best player last season, batting .319 with 34 home runs and continuing that MVP-caliber production throughout the postseason.
2 hits and a run-saving snag on the 3rd base line, Anthony Rendon earns the nod for clutch performer.
— NBC Sports Nationals (@NBCSNationals) October 27, 2019
[@gblawyers] pic.twitter.com/2B8jGOXDTL
Due to the fact that a bevy of other teams are throwing offers at Rendon, Washington has decided to play it safe and ready themselves to potentially invest in Josh Donaldson as a replacement.
The Nationals remain interested in Josh Donaldson, according to multiple people, and are ready to pivot to Donaldson as a replacement for Anthony Rendon at third base.
— Jesse Dougherty (@dougherty_jesse) December 10, 2019
Of course, Donaldson is no Rendon. But the 33-year-old is still very good. He batted .259 with 37 home runs for the Braves in a renaissance season that earned him NL Comeback Player of the Year. Not to mention, stealing Donaldson from an NL East rival would make such a signing even sweeter, especially considering Atlanta won the division last year.
It's no wonder Josh Donaldson is your 2019 NL Comeback Player of the Year. pic.twitter.com/5tpUL5iCPS
— MLB Stats (@MLBStats) December 4, 2019
Donaldson is a three-time All-Star and was the 2015 AL MVP back with the Blue Jays. If the Nationals were somehow able to sign him at a reasonable price as a third base replacement, they'd surely be avoiding a murky offseason.