Blue Jays: Crucial week lies ahead in Josh Donaldson saga

This upcoming week will be crucial in the return of Josh Donaldson and whether or not the Blue Jays will have enough time to pass the former MVP through waivers in order to make a deal before the end of the month.

Josh Donaldson has been limited to just 36 games this season due to shoulder and calf injuries. The third baseman posted a video on his Instagram earlier this past week of him running down the line and rounding first base with the caption “Getting Closer”.

There is speculation throughout the industry that the Blue Jays do not want to entertain offering Donaldson a qualifying offer for fear he may accept it to rebuild his value before re-entering free agency. Positionally and financially he no longer fits into the Jays rebuild plans moving forward, so trading him is the only option to garner a potential asset for him before he walks.

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If Donaldson can begin a rehab assignment later this week the Jays may be able to salvage something out of an unfortunate situation. The return will be nothing extraordinary but there will undoubtedly be teams willing to roll the dice on J.D. because of his proven track record and ability to carry a team on his back with his bat.

The Cleveland Indians could be a potential landing spot for Donaldson and we all know the relationship the Jays brain trust has with their former employer. A deal with Cleveland would afford the tribe to move Jose Ramirez back to second base and Jason Kipnis to the outfield.

Any potential trade will hinge on Donaldson’s progress in the coming days and whether or not J.D. can make his way into some rehab games before the end of the month. The league prevents teams from passing players through waivers if they are on the disabled list. Donaldson would have to be traded by August 31st to be eligible for the postseason with his new team.