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MLB Free Agency: The top 30 free agents for 2018-2019

By David Hill

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 26: Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) waves to the fans at Nationals Park after the game against the Miami Marlins was called due to rain. The players returned to the field to throw t-shirts and collectables after the final home game of the 2018 season. (Photo by Jonathan Newton / The Washington Post via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 26: Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) waves to the fans at Nationals Park after the game against the Miami Marlins was called due to rain. The players returned to the field to throw t-shirts and collectables after the final home game of the 2018 season. (Photo by Jonathan Newton / The Washington Post via Getty Images) /
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Cleveland Indians
(Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

9. Josh Donaldson

In a desperate quest to attempt to compete in 2018, the Toronto Blue Jays kept Josh Donaldson instead of trading him during the offseason. That proved to be a mistake.

Donaldson got hurt early in the year, missing time with inflammation in his shoulder. Then, three weeks later, he was placed on the disabled list with a strained calf, keeping him out of action until September 11. For Toronto, instead of the impressive prospect package that they could have had, they ended up trading Donaldson for Julian Merryweather.

The season was not much better for the former All Star. While Donaldson did show signs of life during his brief time in Cleveland, his overall numbers were not what he hoped for heading into free agency. He posted a .246/.352/.449 batting line, hitting eight homers and 14 doubles. The power was still there, one Donaldson was still getting on base, but he was not the player he had been.

At 33 years old, he could prove to be a bargain. It is possible that a team could get Donaldson on a one year deal, re-establishing his health and showing that he is still an impact bat before heading into free agency once again the following year. For a team looking for help at third, and not willing to spend the money needed to bring in Manny Machado, Donaldson would be an excellent option.

Josh Donaldson may still get that excellent payday in MLB free agency. It just might happen a year later than expected.

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