Blue Jays: Josh Donaldson’s Free Agent Options

Former Toronto Blue Jays slugger Josh Donaldson had a bad year, a very, very bad contract year.

This isn’t news to Blue Jays fans, but a reality for a player who once hoped to pick up a multi-year contract at season’s end.

That may or may not happen now.

Injuries and the residual lack of playing time have left Josh Donaldson with a wash for a 2018 season.

Having only competed in 52 games mixed between the Indians/Blue Jays this past season, and a scaled down 113 games in 2017, it’s fairly easy to see that some value was lost.

Josh is turning 33 before next season starts, and that also has implications for a man seeking long-term tenure with an MLB franchise. Teams recently have been increasingly less likely to invest in players in their 30’s.

What kind of contact will Josh sign is anyone’s guess, however it would be very surprising to this writer to see anything going beyond the 3-year mark.

With all that being said, here are a few places that the Bringer of Rain may land for the 2019 season.

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Cleveland Indians: Sometimes the best fit is the easiest one. Cleveland does not appear to be facing a rebuild just yet, as they have a few outstanding large contracts in place for next season, and what looks like another chance to compete. The Indians acquired Josh as they had a need at third, and that need has not gone away.

St Louis Cardinals: The link that just won’t go away. Will the Cardinals finally get their man? They have the need at third and have entertained Josh’s services in the past. Can St Louis look past Josh’s injury-plagued 2017/18 and ink the man they have been linked too for so long?

Milwaukee Brewers: With Mike Moustakas Contract expiring, and a hole at third base, the Brewers could be interested in signing the Bringer of Rain. They may give Hernan Perez a shot to see what he has in spring training, however, if they are serious about competing, they may look to bring in the former MVP.

Honorable Mentions: Philadelphia, Baltimore

Both of these teams have a need at third base, but will likely fill those holes with prospects. If Josh’s value were to fall far enough, he could land on these teams on “Prove it” contracts to be flipped later.

Where does this leave the Blue Jays? Well very much on the outside of the conversation. There is little to no hope of a reunion with Josh due to a magnitude of reasons, but none more than that of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. who also happens to be a third baseman. His arrival effectively ends the possibility of any Josh Donaldson reunion speculation.