Josh Donaldson, 3B, ATL
Re-signing their team leader in WAR is a must for Atlanta if they do not go after All-Star free agent Anthony Rendon.
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2018 was an injury-ridden season for Josh Donaldson, only playing 52 games. Last offseason, the Atlanta Braves and Donaldson agreed on a one-year, $23 million deal, the same as his previous contract with the Toronto Blue Jays.
This was a “prove your worth deal.”
Donaldson certain proved his worth this season, and he is definitely worth bringing back on a multi-year contract.
In 155 games in 2019, the 33-year-old hit 37 home runs, drove in 94 runs and had an OPS. of .900. He was a very valuable component of their explosive lineup, batting fourth most of the time. Atlanta needs Donaldson back batting cleanup in 2019.
He will be looking for a deal of at least two years and close to the annual salary he made last season. The 2015 AL MVP returned to superstar status after his impressive 2019 campaign.
Donaldson was part of Atlanta’s veteran leadership. The team should bring him back for his clubhouse presence and his productivity at the plate. He became a valuable part of the Atlanta Braves this season, and the team should retain him on a new multi-year deal.