Toronto Blue Jays: Three biggest threats to sign Josh Donaldson
By Tim Boyle
The Toronto Blue Jays want to make an effort at retaining Josh Donaldson beyond 2018. To do so, they must compete with several teams, including these three.
Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson earned himself a record-setting $23 million this offseason. How is this a record? No other player has taken home more in an arbitration-eligible season.
The Toronto Blue Jays are doing their best to please the 2015 American League MVP. Can the big payday charm him into a spending a few more years with the Toronto Blue Jays?
Donaldson is a free agent after the upcoming campaign, making him free to sign elsewhere. Unfortunately, it’s a stocked class. Plus, Donaldson reaches the open market before his age 33 season. Age will work against him as will the fact that fellow third baseman Manny Machado is also available. Given a choice between the two, Machado has far more advantages.
This doesn’t mean Donaldson will settle for a pillow contract. He will surely have more welcome mats rolled out for him than Mike Moustakas this winter. Even if top prospect Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is marching toward MLB, there’s room for Donaldson to stay.
If the Toronto Blue Jays don’t lock up Donaldson before the end of 2018, they may have to compete with the rest of baseball for his services. Taking into account need, money, and readiness to win, there are three franchises that stand out most as three of the best possible suitors for Donaldson.