Should Atlanta Braves re-sign Josh Donaldson or go a different direction at third in 2020?
By James Kunkle
The Atlanta Braves have certainly enjoyed the Josh Donaldson signing so far. The question is will that relationship continue into 2020?
For the past 25 years, the Atlanta Braves have had a good third baseman (minus a few years early this decade).
Josh Donaldson has probably been the best since Chipper Jones retired. As we all know, he was signed for a hefty sum last year, but of course, it was only for one season.
By all accounts, it sounds as if Josh has enjoyed his time in Atlanta, and has become one of the leaders in the clubhouse. I have no reason to doubt that the Atlanta Braves would welcome him back with open arms.
The question is, will he take a little less to stay here?
At worst, the Braves stand to gain at least a draft pick because I’m sure they will offer Donaldson a qualifying offer worth a yet-to-be-determined amount.
I, myself, however, would rather have Donaldson for at least another two years to man the hot corner in Atlanta.
That is the main question. How many years will Donaldson be looking to get on the free-agent market?
If it’s in the two-year range, I think the Atlanta Braves may be willing to even give him a raise on his current $24 million AAV. Maybe something like 2 years at $55 million?
However, I’m not sure the Braves would be willing to go to the three-year mark that some other teams might come calling with.
Those teams that would probably be challenging the Braves for Josh’s services include the big three in the NL East. I could see the following teams looking at Donaldson this winter
- New York Mets
- Philadelphia Phillies
- Washington Nationals
- Minnesota Twins
- St. Louis Cardinals
Of course, it’s never smart to count out the New York Yankees or Boston Red Sox — as we all know.