Atlanta Braves should re-sign third baseman Josh Donaldson
The Atlanta Braves need to decide if they want to re-sign Josh Donaldson after their postseason ended abruptly with a 13-1 defeat at the hands of the St. Louis Cardinals.
The decision for the Atlanta Braves to re-sign third baseman Josh Donaldson should be an easy one. Donaldson is a free agent after making $23 million on a 1-year deal with the club.
The 33-year-old is headed towards the twilight of his prime, but is still a phenomenal player and an excellent presence in the clubhouse. His slash line this past season is as follows: .259/.379/.521 with 37 home runs and 94 RBI’s.
That is just a little dip from his career slash line of .273/.369/.509 with an average of 34 home runs and 101 RBI’s. He is definitely worth another year if not two while the Braves wait for Johan Camargo to develop a little more.
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Donaldson is the veteran presence this young team needs especially with young guys Ozzie Albies and Robert Acuna Jr. still developing. Alongside veteran Freddie Freeman, they provide the veteran leadership the team needs.
He also has the playoff experience this team needs if they are to continue making it to the playoffs. He has been to the playoffs seven times in his nine year major league career. His career line in the postseason is .260/.335/.433 with five home runs, 16 RBI’s and 15 walks.
In short, Donaldson deserves and is worth another contract. They should look to lock him up for two years. It won’t be the cheapest deal, but if the interest is mutual, it shouldn’t be an issue getting it done and keeping him in a Braves jersey for the next few seasons.
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I also think the Atlanta Braves give him the best chance to make it to the World Series, an accomplishment which has eluded him despite having so much playoff experience. It would be great for him and the Braves to get another championship in Atlanta.