The Braves could lose third baseman Josh Donaldson in free agency, but they’re not going down without a fight. They’ve made the longtime star a four-year offer, David O’Brien of The Athletic tweets. They join the Twins and Nationals as teams known to have made recent four-year proposals for Donaldson. Mark Feinsand of MLB.com said Thursday that all three teams seem willing to go to the four-year, $100MM range. The Dodgers and the Rangers can’t be counted out of the race, either, per Feinsand.
This has become an especially fascinating trip through free agency for Donaldson, who MLBTR predicted would sign a three-year, $75MM contract when the proceedings began. However, with fellow third baseman Anthony Rendon and a slew of other standout performers already off the market, the 34-year-old Donaldson is now easily the game’s premier player without a contract. And he partly controls the third base market, as teams that lose out on the Donaldson sweepstakes might pivot to a trade for the Cubs’ Kris Bryant or the Rockies’ Nolan Arenado with no other studs left in free agency.
In the Braves’ case, they could have the prospect capital to trade for Bryant or Arenado, though it remains to be seen whether they’ll go that route. The seven-year, $234MM Arenado’s still owed could prove too rich for their blood. Donaldson shouldn’t cost anywhere near that much in cash, nor would the Braves have to cough up young players for him, and they already know he can thrive in their uniform. The one-time MVP was an integral member of a 2019 Atlanta roster that took home its second consecutive NL East title.
in other news…just like Akiyama’s first update, its still anyone’s game!
I think the official news is that the Braves have officially made Josh Donaldson a 4-year offer. It had been speculated for awhile now that the Braves weren’t willing to go beyond 3 years. I think this actually happened a few days ago because a guy told me about it on Twitter. I thought he was lying because neither MLBTR or ESPN would report it. I even brought it up in the chat and the comments but it waa pretty much ignored by staff and shut down by commentors. I even called the guy a liar on twitter but then he sent me a link to source I hadn’t found on my own and I apologized to him. It turns out he was right. All this happened about 3 days ago or so. I’m kind of surprised it has taken MLBTR so long to pick up on it. I don’t know the financials of the Braves offer but if it is in line with the Twins and the Nats then this would clearly make the Braves the favorites to re-sign Donaldson. He has already said that he prefers to stay in Atlanta and would give the Braves the chance to match any offer before he signs. Maybe this is the opportunity to match and the Braves did so?
That’s what I heard also……at least a couple days ago.
Maybe the Braves have seen the other offers and went…….”Whoaaaa”…and now they are trying to figure out if it’s worth it or not. If there’s actually an offer that approaches $120 Mil….I think the Braves balk. They’ll probably try to get him to sign for a little less (a couple players have left money on the table to go “where they wanted to” lately.
Nats probably have the highest $$$ but with a bunch of deferred money. The offer they gave to Harper had deferred money until Harper was like 54 years old (or something like that)…..LOL
It was mentioned on MLBTR a few days ago. I think was in the comments… the guy named the source who is a member of the mainstream media. I remember because I knew about it then and MLBTR is the only baseball news I read in January.
Fight, Pohlad’s, fight
Yes sir
They have the money to win.
The pohlads are making a 4 year offer that is less competitive in terms of the dollar amount(just speculation) and they are doing so to show the fan base they are making offers, but deep down they know they aren’t competitive enough to convince JD. the Pohlads are lousy owners and I so badly want them to sell the team.
Not enough whiz-bang in Minneapolis.
I like it here, but if I were a millionaire athlete, I’d probably prefer playing someplace more trendy.
Well in all fairness Hubert
you’ve been dead a long time. How much whiz-bang do you need!!??
jorge – you’re thinking of Hubert II, whereas Hubert III (a.k.a Skip) is very much alive and typing.
After some brief & rewarding research there is a Hubert Humphrey IV – which is heartwarming because Hubert’s are a rare and exotic beauty in the world.
So which one is he?
They aint gonna get em. I’m sure they lowballed him just to save face with the fans by saying “we tried our hardest to land him but for 1 reason or another we just couldn’t get him to sign with us “just like every damn free agent with value we go after. I hate being a twins fan, sell the team pohlads you suck
If you hate being a Twins fan jump off the bandwagon. Many complained when the Twins signed Joe Maurer for big money but now are jumping all over the FO and ownership for not spending over $300 million to sign 30+ year old pitchers for 7 years, etc. To many “fans” think they can be general mgrs.
Article said they are willing to get to the 4 year $100mm range. Far from lowball offer. And if he signs elsewhere for a bunch more (Wheeler) than their comfortable going to them so be it. Being the highest bidder isn’t always the best thing.
*they’re
Agree 100%. I hope the Nats don’t get him – these crazy deals for career-downhill years are horrendous. Every. Time.
Agreed!
4/100 is too much
Not after the year he had in 2019. JD earned every cent of his next contract, and with the way Rendon got paid there’s no way Donaldson signs for less than 4/100, and that might not even be enough. Front load it so you’re not paying him $25MM in 2023 if it makes you feel better, but he’s still worth the money in today’s dollars.
Smart teams don’t pay for last year’s results. Dude’s old and his performance will decline, just a matter of when and how suddenly. But performance decline isn’t even the biggest problem. Health is. He played all year in 2019 which was really odd for him. Expecting it again? I don’t.
He’s not old. He also made a significant diet change to help his body long-term. He’s worth 4/100, as a Braves fan, I hope it’s with Atlanta.
He’s def worth it if he goes to an AL team for the DH, even though I think DH is coming to NL w/ in 4 years.
He’s also a great defender on the hot corner.
“….he played all year in 2019 which is really odd for him”
Not True At All….
2013 = 158
2014 = 158
2015 = 158
2016 = 155
2017 = 113 (33 HR’s in 113 games before injury)
2018 = 52 after returning (1/3 season)
2019 = 155 (37 HR’s)
That’s a pretty solid track record.
@seamaholic
This was just the long way to say, “I don’t really know what I’m talking about and I’m too lazy to do a simple google search, but here is my opinion based on facts that I made up.”
“Smart teams don’t pay for last year’s results…” Are the Nats smart w/Strasburg? How about the Yankees w/Cole?
4/100 for JD is about right. Even if you get 2 to 3 decent years, the 4th year by today’s skyrocketing dollars will be a bargain. Plus you are guaranteed 4 years.. not 2 with Bryant and Arenado. Plus you get to keep prospect capital. Signing JD is a no brainer for AA…
“Smart teams don’t pay for last year’s results”
Right, but teams do base their offers on a player’s previous results (otherwise, what would they even be looking at?). And Donaldson’s results from last year did not show any decline off of his normal performance, which would suggest that he’ll still put up great numbers for at least 2020 and possibly another few years. That’s what you’re paying for.
You’re not very bright are you?
Yes, he will eventually decline but if a team wants to improve at 3B in 2020, and possibly beyond, Donaldson is a good/great get. The only thing I can think of that he’s bad at is running, he’s below average. He still hits the ball hard (top 10 in MLB) and puts up great stats.
People tried to say the same about Cruz last year, yet none of his statcast numbers suggested a decline and he didn’t decline. Sure the contract is less in dollars and years for Cruz so it’s easier to swallow, but get a good player while you can. Young and very healthy players can decline too, no guarantee on any of them.
34 is old for a 4 year contract. Maybe you get 1-2 years of similar production.
50% of a 4 year deal will be a money pit.
Seamaholic – “Smart teams don’t pay for last year’s results.”
Every team pays for last year’s results when they sign any player to a contract with the hopes they repeat a good performance.
He comps well with Adrian Beltre who played well from age 33-37. Four top 10-MVP’s. A couple GG, and SS plus some AS appearances. Can easily see him performing the next 3 years. If he does, 4th is just a tack on and front load the contract to reflect the possible dip in performance.
I was against 4 years, but this is actually a really good point. He is worth it.
OUCH!
Yeah no kidding… where do people get the idea Donaldson is injury prone ? One injury is not a lot. It was significant but even Chipper Jones was out a year and came back and had a full career.
You are right on with my thinking.
It’s a narrative and lazy thinking.
Seamaholic you think more teams would front load contracts so players are tradable in the declining years. The next efficiency!
If you can keep the prospects AND not pay Arenado 34 million x 7, it seems like a good move to me. I hope he’s back with us.
Not to teams that want and needs his services
Winner’s Curse is big time in play here.
I’m all for bringing him back, but any more than 4/$100M is too much for the Braves to gamble on anyone’s 34-37 years, IMO.
100%
I disagree. It’s not that much compared to Arenado’s deal, and it costs nothing in young players.
Arenado’s 27. Dude hasn’t even hit his peak yet and almost literally has never been hurt.
You act like JD is broken and has been on the DL each year.
I think the extra year at $25 mill. Is well worth keeping say Waters, Wright and Riley which would be the cost for a Bryant trade
I mean think about it any team would pay $25 mill. in trade for Wright waters and Riley so why wouldn’t the Braves pay it to keep them on the team because if they don’t meet the price for JD they will have to trade for Bryant/Arenado
Arenado is 29 in April….
What’s the point of keeping Riley if JD is signed? Waters & Pache will be here in 2021 at the lates, that’s the OF of most of the decade. He’s not going to be a 1b (if Freeman were to leave) and he’d be wasted value for a bench bat.
Hes the best chance at this team the winning world series now while keeping their prospect capital to be just as competitive for the next decade.
He and the Braves org know this and paying him a little more now is much better served than to have to replace cheap near-future options pache, Anderson, Wright, waters, etc instead of sending them packing.
Josh is prob just thoroughly enjoying this and riding it out to the end.
I would 100% keep Riley if JD is signed. He is insurance if JD does start a steep decline or gets hurt. He is also insurance in the outfield if Markakis/Duval, Inciarte struggle or if your crystal ball is not accurate and Pache/Waters do not pan out. Also his value is not that high right now so it’s not like you are going to get a ton of value for him this winter. So if nothing else give him time at AAA to potentially reestablish a little value too.
So is Camargo, and he can hit an offspeed pitch. There’s plenty of options out there for backups in Atlanta, if JD is signed. You trade Riley. 4 years of JD takes away any value of Riley in Atlanta.
Culberson can be a backup.
Camargo can be a backup.
Ortega can be a backup.
Duval is a backup.
Markakis can be a backup.
I mean, at some point, Riley becomes expendable because of what little value he has left. The only way he increases his value is to hit in AAA and prove he can hit an off-speed pitch. But he’s already done that and didn’t at the MLB level after 2 weeks.
Waters is more of a pure ability for OF than Riley. Pache will be roaming CF in 2020 or 2021 at the latest.
Riley really doesn’t fit in Atlanta outside of 3b. It’s like Troy Glaus in LF. Disaster.
Trade value or if one of the OF prospects don’t work out or God forbid something happens and Freddie isn’t on the team in two years but my point was any team would straight out buy those 3 prospects for $25mill
Arenado will be JD’s age when his 7 year contract is up. And he’s a better bat and fielder. And STILL isn’t worth $35M probably.
Why isn’t he worth 35mil? I’m interested in your argument because all the number say otherwise.
I say that based on his career home/away splits. If Donaldson or Kris Bryant are worth $25Mish, I don’t see Arenado being worth 40% more. I’m not dogging him… I think he’s the best 3B in baseball, just not worth that kind of money to a team that will be crippled by the cost of it if he is a bust (or injured).
Enough w/ the splits. Either way, Arenado is still one of the best 3b in MLB and any team would want him. When he doesn’t have to go to Coors so often, his splits would come back down to normal ratio. This isn’t Charlie Blackmon after-all.
No, it’s not enough with the splits because they matter when you are trying to determine if you should trade for a guy. When they are as pronounced as Arenado’s you have to take them into account.
I think it’s hilarious that fans still talk about a players performance on the field when assessing their value. A players value is based on their ability to sell tickets and jerseys as much as anything else. Do you really think the Phillies paid Bryce Harper $330mil based on his production? Obviously not. Harper isn’t even a top 15 position player and never will be. But he makes the Phillies a lot of money so he is worth the huge contract.
Why? $25 million is the going rate and as you get deeper into the deal, rates will probably continue to rise and the deal won’t look as bad. Atlanta has plenty of money to spend, too.
Where do you get that they have “plenty of money to spend?” A Donaldson deal would push them into record heights.
Based on the fact of where they are at now, already, and STILL trying to sign JD and were in on MadBum at the same time. Atlanta has some payroll to spend, as the Braves become more profitable (Batter is already all rented, etc etc) for 2020 and 2021 and beyond.
Better off trading for Bryant as long as he has 2 years club control. 4 years for Donaldson? He would be 38 when it is all done. 2 years ago he had a bad calf strain.
A year ago, he didn’t, and provided a 6.1 WAR – higher than Arenado and just 0.2 WAR back from the very rich Rendon.
Why is trading a haul for Bryant – who was healthy in 2019 producing a 3.6 WAR and not healthy the year before producing a 1.9 WAR?
I like something I seen on here about a front loaded contract for JD so if Riley does come on and become a solid middle of the order bat JD still has trade value a couple years from now
37
It was just a calf strain, which isn’t something that’s going to affect him now.
You’ve obviously never been 37.
Neither has Josh Donaldson
Just trade for Bryant? Who are you willing to give up? The will demand at least 1 of Pache, Waters or Anderson, along with either Fried or Wright. That of course will be on top of Riley. Then in 2 years you will need a 10 year $350-$400 million contract to keep him. Kinda makes Donaldson on a 4 year $120 million contract look like a bargain, doesn’t it?
Javia gets the long-term economics side of it.
Anderson and Wright for Bryant.
The Braves still have plenty of room to pay a real top-of-the-rotation pitcher.
Jesus, no. Anderson could very well be the only high-upside ace potential arm in the farm. He’s not moved for Bryant, 2 years of Bryant. Mayyyyyyybe if it was 7.
What many seem to be missing, while they’re willing to give ATL’s key prospects away for ‘nado, is that he will likely opt out in ‘21(?). He’s not going to leave all that money out on the market knowing what his value is, imo.
So, you’re trading your farm and future for a two-year rental? That compressed your pennant time frame a bit.
#notworthit
JD is worth it all day long, imho. He’s great on O and D, and if his final year is lackluster, you can make it up much more easily than replacing top prospects.
So he gets hurt once in his career, 2 years ago…what’s your point?
Sign Damn it!
Time to nut up or shut up JD! Bravos have done what you wanted, you love ATL, go on and make the announcement.
Not to mention, GA has 3% less income tax than DC so all things being equal that should make a difference. Definitely affected Brantleys decision some last year, though I’m sure Astros being stacked and DH also helped.
HOU also showed him the “CF technology” that would aid his hitting abilities.
As opposed to the A’s who spent years juicing up players and then trading them for a haul of youngsters ala moneyball? Or the Yankees having bowls of amphetamines for their players in the dugout during those years they “won” all those championships? Every team is doing everything they can to win. Time to grow up.
Made for a great movie. All I care about. I don’t think Beane had to do much convincing of Giambi – even if there’s any truth to that.
“Time to grow up,” says the man who states the Yankees “won.”
Prove your accusations about Yankee amphetamines, Dodgethis I’ve heard the accusations but never the proof. That’s the difference with the Stros: Proof. The difference with A-Rod? He admitted it.
Read Ball Four by Jim Bouton & the “greenies” in the Yankees clubhouse. And likely in most teams’ clubhouses frankly. Book is a great read.
Chad Curtis, John Wetteland, Jim Leyritz, Chuck Knoblauch, etc. classy group those yankees. Hard to think of anyone on those teams who hasn’t been arrested. Not sure what they were taking, but it’s a pretty sad sack of potatoes in that dugout.
You said it. What an infamous bunch.
Every Hall of Famer since 1965 took amphetatmines!
Bouton was the 60’s for chrissake. I thought you were talking about something recent.
whyhazy
I certainly wouldn’t take my lessons on class from you of all the people with whom I have conversed in 60 years of living. You’re dead last.
Whyhazy & Dodgethis: For the purpose of this thread I’ll stipulate the Yankees of that ‘96 team took amphetamines. Now, explain how that affects them any differently than all the other teams doing exactly the same.
Prevalence in baseball during that time did not make the Yankees win; and certainly not 4 out of 5 years. That is an exceptional accomplishment in baseball and one rarely seen.
Moreover, if they won for that reason, don’t you think all the players / managers of that era would be crying foul? You know, just like everyone is actually doing for the Astros? Your logic, thus your argument, is flawed.
You’re welcome.
Virginia (which is probably where he would live) is only .3 more than Georgia. 4.3 to 4.0. Not a lot, but it is something.
This is for sales tax.
I think the tax conversation lies around payroll – and that originates where you get paid.
Latest: still not signed. He may sign soon. He might sign here but hasn’t. This is the latest breaking news. Stay tuned for more.
^dated Feb 2. 2020.
This is dragging on.
Especially considering Arenado could opt out of the contract after 2 years, why spend the prospects when they could have JD and trade for starting pitching at the deadline?
The opt-out reduces the cost for Atlanta, prospect wise. Unless there is a guarantee signed by Arenado, which there wouldn’t be, it reduces the return of prospect value for CO.
he’s a good bat but 4 years scares me at his age, especially with his injury history.
Injury History = Fake News
He’s had 1 major issue and it stopped his 2017 season short and shortened his 2018 season
2013 = 158 Games
2014 = 158 Games
2015 = 158 Games
2016 = 155 Games
2017 = 113 Games (33 HR’s in 113 games before injury)
2018 = 52 games played after returning (1/3 season)
2019 = 155 games (37 HR’s after a slow start)
He’s missed the equivalent of 1 full season because of One Injury.
Not to mention, the Jays grossly mismanaged his injurys (like they usually do). They let him play with a bum arm in 2018 and they wondered why he went on the DL. Donaldson is the type to play through an injury(which is part of the reason why fans love him) but he should have been on the DL to start 2018. The issue started late in spring training.
When a guy who generally has a strong arm from 3B turfs his throws at the pitchers mound, you know hes hurt.
I would 100% prefer to have Donaldson for only cash and overpay him for the 4th year than trade the type of haul it would take to get Arrenado or Bryant.
That’s a very optimistic way of looking at the fact he missed a third of a season to injury and 2/3 of the next season to injury. You could absolutely say that as he ages into his mid-30s (which he is), injuries like that could be more common as he’s shown a predisposition to it. In fact, analysts on MLB were saying just that last year, so it’s not far-fetched. I think a team going 4/100 for him will regret the last couple of years, but it’s not my money, so let the bidding war continue
Injuries happen. Chipper Jones tore up his knee once and missed an entire season, and he turned out pretty ok.
This argument is inane at best. MLB experts were talking about it last year, bc he hadn’t proved that he was still the pre-injury JD. That is exactly what he did in 2019, which is precisely why experts aren’t saying that this year. He was an MVP, he suffered an injury, he has fully recovered from said injury, and he has proved that he still can play at an elite level for an entire season. Any argument that a professional athlete suffering one injury in 33 years makes him injury-prone is asinine. His age actually works in his favor regarding this issue. A person who is injury-prone does not suffer his first significant injury at age 30.
It’s actually inane to think that nagging injuries like a calf wouldn’t start in your 30s… he’s 34 years old… could he be fully healthy and play four more full seasons? Sure, anything can happen… but it may be more likely he won’t be at optimal health during these years and will definitely be past his prime… not sure why people are so vehemently trying to make arguments otherwise… I actually can’t wait to check back in four years and see how it went
I feel the same way, in the sense that I can’t understand why people are trying so desperately to cast a 34 year old professional athlete who has had one injury as “injury-prone.” Even your characterization of his calf injury as “nagging” suggests that it has affected him multiple times and caused multiple absences. He missed one year that covered parts of 2 seasons, and he has played for 1.5 seasons since without that “nagging” injury ever affecting him again.
An injury that spanned two seasons wasn’t “nagging?” What was it… prolonged? Bad luck? Listen I like JD, I’m saying 4 years is risky and to say otherwise seems like denial. Even in his bounceback year last year, he had more Ks than ever, avg was lower than ever, and OPS+ of 127 is considerably lower than his peak years pre-injury. Still a damn good player clearly, but I doubt he’ll improve those numbers over the next four years, which are typically for most when players start to decline.
We are in agreement. I have never said that there is no risk that he will get injured again–only that his career to date does not support a characterization of being injury-prone.
The way I see it, we are talking about JD, KB, and Arenado as the 3 top targets for ATL. For me, Arenado is the clear #1. The home/road splits is another weak argument. Most players hit better at home, regardless of their home park. Arenado’s road numbers are significantly better than, say, Matt Chapman’s, and they are on par with many elite players. So, if I thought there was any realistic chance that ATL was going to sign Arenado, I’d be 100% in (this assumes AA would acquire him for a market-reasonable return). But, for the sake of our above argument, when JD was Arenado’s age, he had never suffered an injury. So as there is risk that JD gets re-injured, there is also risk that Arenado could get injured (as with literally every athlete). But I’d prefer to take the risk with Arenado over JD. I just don’t think there is any chance the Braves take on that contract.
For me, I’d prefer JD to KB, for a number of reasons, but for current purposes, it is worth noting that KB is much younger and has already dealt with, and missed substantial time due to, injuries.
So I guess I’m really just saying that, of course, JD could get injured again. But so could Arenado, and KB’s injury woes could prove much more “nagging” than JD’s ever were. Any athlete can get injured. I just don’t think one injury in 34 years makes a player a huge risk for future injuries. Ted Williams, now that’s an injury-prone player.
I see your point… fair enough, let’s let the next few years play out… for Atlanta, any of them will absolutely improve the team when healthy… I do think sometimes people overdo the arenado home-road split argument a bit… most players have better home splits anyway, and if we use the relevant stats of his last three years, he did have road OPS of 866 last year and 886 in 2017 I believe… still very good numbers… just for comparison, JD’s road OPS last year was 785, so it’s not uncommon for top players to have lesser road splits.. and obviously coors inflates it
He’s gonna get 4 years 120 million with this market.
If he does…..I guess he’ll be hitting in front of Soto…..
Prob behind Soto. I bet he hits 5th if he signs in DC. Robles Eaton Turner Soto Donaldson Maybe Eaton goes back to Leadoff if Robles is garbage, Eaton Turner Soto Donaldson howie cabrera.
Turner wouldn’t be moved to 3rd. Davey has never done that.
Turner, Eaton, Donaldson, Soto, Kendrick/Zimmerman…..
Donaldson would slot in where Rendon left. Makes sense between the two lefties and high OBP guys. Robles can’t handle leadoff. Not nearly as disciplined at this point in time.
Nah.
TT, AE, JD, JS, HK, RZ
Keeping the right, left thing going.
Could go AE, TT, JS, JD but turner steals and Eaton can move guys over, not the other way around.
Na, I don’t think he’d take Washington. I think he’d go Min or Tex before them. Too much-deferred money in Washington 😀
Cool with me. Nats can work around him and leave the huge risk to others.
Deferred is not a bad word. You still get your $$ & can look forward to yearly checks down the road.
not from Atlanta !
The Braves will not bring back the umbrella nor should they. Ideally, trade for Bryant or Arenado, but why try to win more than the division?
I 1000% disagree. Sign Donaldson. A trade makes no sense unless they’re forced down that road.
No Bum…..Let’s look at something………
Arenado isn’t getting traded, and he has an Opt-out after 2 years anyway.
Donaldson can be signed for 4 more years for about $25 Mil/yr. No other costs.
Bryant is slated to make about $19 Mil in arbitration, and will get a raise to $24 Mil next season (if he performs the way you hope he will perform)
Savings of $7 Mil but the prospect cost will be something like Riley, Wright, and a 3rd Prospect……….They’ll miss Wright for sure, and Riley won’t be there to take over when Bryant leaves for FA in 2 years.
In addition…..Bryant has been sidelined quite a bit in the last 18 months. Shoulder issues and knee issues. Not A Good Sign.
You’ve sacrificed the future for “similar production” and a 15% savings in payroll over the next 2 years.
If they just sign JD…..Riley will still be around to take over “whenever JD stops producing…”
and that is assuming any of the prospects they trade amount to anything, which chances are they will won’t. You have a chance to win in the next 2 years, take it. This waiting game will only increase the chances of something going wrong.
“You have a chance to win in the next 2 years, take it” yes, but your chances do not improve by replacing JD with Bryant.
Offensively, Bryant is the better player (albeit they are similar). Defensively, JD probably has the edge which is the product of his inflated WAR, but with age, he will regress. I’d wager MVP caliber seasons within the next two seasons from Bryant over JD.
He is just but hurt they didn’t give madbum a contract. SOOO glad we stayed away from him. I absolutely love the Hamels signing. Right now JD for 4/100 is the best choice even though it’s more than I originally wanted to pay. The calf injury he said came from playing on the turf at Rogers center. I’m not overly concerned about injuries with JD, it’s more about does he age like Beltre or Votto? He credits his diet change for his good health. Dude seems to take care of himself and his ultra competitiveness will hopefully lead to great results for the next 4 years.
So you want to trade young, controllable assets and pay a butt ton of money in the process instead of just paying the money? Every single comment you make is less than useless and makes no sense.
No, I just don’t like Donaldson. Both Bryant and Arenado are better.
You just don’t like him? Great argument.
I’m sure your scouting reports would be invaluable:
“I just don’t like him.”
Well chances are you’ll never be forced to have a beer with him, so no worries. Here’s an actual fact based opinion- Donaldson is morr valuable than either Arenado or Bryant because he costs NOTHING in terms of prospects. Nothing! Plus, who knows if Arenado is the same offensive force outside of Colorado? The splits are quite different.
So, you wanted MadBum in Atlanta and he didn’t come. You don’t want JD in Atlanta, so, he’ll come.
Welcome back, JD
If JD truly wants to be a Brave (which he said he does), then he will be a Brave. However, I don’t believe he cares either way. He will go where the money is. If the Braves want to feed this aging player for 5 years, then so be it. He is as much of a risk long term as trading overrated prospects for proven talent. You don’t accumulate prospects for decoration (albeit casuals love the farm system rankings). When a top tier talent is available through trade, you make the trade. When a top tier player is available through free agency, you sign them. The Braves passed up on Cole because money was too much. People want them to pass up on Bryant or Arenado because prospect cost too much. Eventually, they will have to spend or trade. Hopefully by then, it will not be too late.
You gotta admit, the Braves are impressive. Two division titles in a row, and according to you they’re not even trying!
Playing against the Marlins 18 times a season has its benefits. Once the playoffs start, they get exposed just as the last 2 seasons proved.
The Mets, Phillies and Nats all played the Marlins the same number of times, and yet the Braves won the division. I think the Braves are contenders now, but they need to re-sign JD and get one more good SP in order to take the next step.
Whoever signs him will hate this deal after the 2021 season. Hopefully he can help win a ring in his first two years of the deal. If not, this will be a painful contract.
The NL will have the DH by 2022 so he’ll be fine.
Yeah, right.
Josh about to get paid!! One of the best humans in the game. So happy for him.
Donaldson does look comparatively to be the BEST deal reaming, considering what’s left to choose from.
The Rangers???
Please surprise me with a signing… any signing at hot corner.
Needed.
ANY signing? Todd Frazier?
Four years for him will be a deal somebody regrets. At least in the AL, he can DH.
Not a chance Twins sign him, the front office rarely gives anyone $5 million, yet people think they’ll dish out upwards of $100 million to Donaldson. Falvey and Levine are an absolute joke
Doing pretty well for a team run by jokes.
Falvey and Levine
They own the Twins?
They have all kinds of money to spend. They can easily be players here. If he signs they could have 4 guys in their lineup who can hit 40 home runs. Sano, Kepler, Cruz and Donaldson. That’s an impressive lineup that should outhit most of their opponents.
MIN had 8 that hit 22 or more in 2019, 5 that hit 30 or more and 1 that hit 40. And they looked silly in the playoffs vs. NYY, with only 7 runs in 3 games. A few more HRs to a record-setting team really going to get them over the hump?
They need to focus on better pitching.
The Twins lineup is nonsense and better pitching would only lessen the margins of the Yankees victories.
Well the Twins lost 2 of those 8 players in Schoop and Cron. Their projected 2B, Arraez had a nice debut but has little to no power and is more of a contact/OBP hitter. The Twins can certainly use Donaldson or another quality hitter since they lost quite a bit of depth and I don’t think they can count on soon to be 40 yr old Nelson Cruz to have a BABIP more than 40 points higher than his career average again in 2020.
That would only be with a juiced ball. Without a juiced ball, lots of putative 40-HR hitters would be hitting 30-something.
Finally someone agrees with me.
Thank you!
If true and as much as I loved JD, I say pivot off him and trade for Marte. Give Riley/Camargo platoon a shot, revisit in June/July if they can’t do it.
Marte doesn’t solve the issue of a cleanup hitter
Exactly, DTD
My feeling is he ends up with the Dodgers.
Dodgers have a better choice with Arenado or Bryant.
Bryant maybe but the Dodgers MO doesn’t support taking on Arenado’s contract. As a fan I’d love to have any of the three being discussed but prob in the order of Arenado, JD then Bryant.
Offer Donaldson 2 for $55 with a $25-mil option. If accepted, an additional $20-mil option automatically kicks in for a 4th year. A $5-mil buyout if option is declined.
Found Andy Friedman’s account.
Hey Andrew,
Thanks for chiming in, but JD has stated that he wants 4 years. Not this whacky high AAV for 2 you enjoy.
You can’t always get what you want in life. Look at you; you want to believe Arenado is the best 3B in baseball. It’s a false narrative but you bought it.
The NL team giving JD a 4-year deal will regret it. AL? Probably.
The Twins front office clowns know that Donaldson isn’t a pitcher. Right?
Four years at 100m is absolutely top of the market. Nobody will pay much more than that. Holding out for more than that would just be scratching for pennies. Sign up JD! You got everything you deserved
pennies? or millions?
If I was Donaldson, I rather sign with the Dodgers before any other team….but the Dodgers want Bryant………Texas has no income tax………that would be the second choice.
.
Donaldson is from the south and grew up a Braves fan. ATL is his preference.
we shall see if he is a Brave at heart……or a money man !
Bryant at 2 years is the better choice in a trade than Donaldson at four years. That being said, Donaldson can be the player that tips the scale in the East next year, unless the loser gets Bryant or Arenado.
Bryant isn’t the better choice, because you’re parting with one of Waters, Pache or Riley to get him; plus more. So you need to pay Bryant, and then you need to pay an OF because Pache and Waters are it in the upper minors. Then you’ve probably got to pay a SP, too, if Fried or Wright goes.
Donaldson for 25, versus close to 20 mil for Bryant, plus 8-9 mil for a decent SP, plus say another 15 mil for a quality OF minimum.
So 25 vs. 43ish. How is Bryant a better choice?
You don’t pay Bryant the big bucks. Just buys you time to find someone else in a few years with no long term risk.
Go Go White Sox!
Once Donaldson signs …..the asking price for Bryant or Arenado goes up !…..and I don’t believe Arenado will get moved.
I like him on an AL club better. I know his defense is still solid but a day off his feet here and there as he ages would be nice.
We’re not there yet, but I could see him transitioning well to first base, too. He definitely has the soft hands for it.
I hate lazy American League baseball because I hate the DH.
The AL doesn’t play real baseball. The DH? Jesus Christ! The green monster? Oh my God!! It sounds like a wiffleball game of 10 year olds
I used to feel that way. But I’ve slowly been converted to the idea of the DH. If the NL had the DH, we’d have had two to three more years of Chipper Jones. That would have been excellent. In any case, the players union wants it, and we’re getting a new agreement soon. I fully expect the DH to be in the NL.
This is about the benefit to the team, not his. If he doesn’t go to whatever your team is then what do you care what he does??
My guess is we’ll hear something (about him signing with SOMEONE) no later than Monday.
let him walk
I figured the Nationals offered him the most but a lot is deferred. I expect him to sign with Atlanta, now that they are at 4 years.
Honestly if Donaldson goes somewhere other than the braves for a few more dollars I’m done with him forever. 4 year deal for this guy is so much money it’s incredible so don’t talk to me about a few more million dollars when you’ve already got all that. what’s he even waiting for if he allegedly is so into the braves?
“highest paid CEOs in the U.S. Number three on the list is Gregory Maffei, CEO of Liberty Media Corp., who made $391 million in fiscal 2012”
forever and ever?
You’re pretty harsh. If it’s one or two million difference then I’d hope he signed with Atlanta, but I wouldn’t blame him for following the money. It’s not like he’s a Braves lifer or anything, but even if he were, a million dollars isn’t insignificant.
bhambrave
We agree. Even when you have $100MM, a million dollars is real money. Even if you’re a totally unselfish person. In that case you would think about the good you could do with a million dollars. You wouldn’t want to leave it on the table for a frivolous reason.
I’m sure he cares.
For Braves fans….who would you rather have in your lineup.
2 years of Kris Bryant w/possible LT deal to follow or…
4 years of Donaldson in his last contract.
Just reply with the player you like more…
If they trade for Bryant they aren’t signing him long term, so that means they’ll have to turn around and trade him again before he walks, or let him walk..which is something the Braves don’t do with good players. That’s why they aren’t trading for Bryant and all this talk about he and the Braves is a smokescreen. I’m willing to bet any money that the Braves would sit on a Riley/Camargo platoon before they give up significant talent for 1-2 years of Bryant.
Donaldson is better anyways. I’d rather overpay him than trade prospects and take on the salaries of Bryant or Arenado for ex.
I’ll take 4 years of JD plus Riley and whatever other prospects we can keep vs 2 years of Bryant, 1 of those playing scared not to get hurt like a lot of Boras clients do.
JD.
For me, KB vs JD over the next 2 years is a wash. So I’d take JD for 4 over KB for 2. We don’t know how either player will perform over the next 2 years, and I feel that it’s about 50/50 who performs better. When you throw in the rest of the considerations (prospects, what to do after 2 years of KB and no realistic 3B in the system (since Riley would be gone to get KB), etc), it’s a no-brainer. Sign JD. Simply my opinion.
Donaldson.
Would rather dodgers drop a 4 year bag on this dude than trade half the farm for 2 years of lindor or bryant. Not sure why teams will go 3 not 4 up until this point….2nd round pick for all star 3rd baseman. Arguably the 3rd best 3rd baseman in the league in terms of production and glovework. Then incase he gets injured you can always have turner or muncy cover him
You wouldn’t trade prospects for Francisco Lindor? He’s one of the games best, he’s in his prime, and plays a premium position! I think the dodgers would jump all over a Lindor trade if the Indians are serious about dealing him. Generational talent right there.
Seems the Dodgers have already looked into and walked away from Lindor, haven’t they? Isn’t that part of the reason they’re sniffing a Price/Betts deal?
Can only think that the only thing holding this up is the holidays. If ATL is at 4, he should be signing with them very soon.
For no apparent reason, I’m saying Donaldson goes to a team not mentioned here.
C’mom Pohlads, PLEASE sweeten the offer to JD. Twins fans love having a great lineup and you will be forgiven for a while. Bump it up from 90M to 100M… it’s only money!!! When the stands aren’t filled up, you’ll wish you had splurged! Thank you
I think Donaldson will be fine through a 4 year deal. I hope the Nats get him to replace Rendon.
Where is Tim Wallace, Sean Berry, Tatis Sr, Chris Truby, willie Harris, Vinny Castilla and Frank Paul Santangelo (leave masn) and get your glove
Wallach.
Famous country song: Mamas
don’t let your babies grow up to be 2nd baseman…..
Pay cash for Josh and use some of the saved prospect capital to overwhelm Cleveland for Clevinger.
From my perspective, this is an issue of which option will hurt the Braves less. Of course every Atlanta fan was attracted to the idea of a contract that was 2 years/$50 million but right now we are seeing how rediculous that hope was. Even a 3 year contract is a lost cause.
I truly hope the Nationals don’t drive their offer to 5 years because that would almost certainly push the Braves out. The Braves don’t have the kind of owner that spends the way the Nationals do and frankly, 5 years is just to far.
I think 4 years is to much but the price for acquiring Arenado or Bryant is going to be ugly and rightfully so. The first pieces those teams will ask about is Anderson and Pache. With how shallow center field is, Pache gains even more value making me want to keep him. Anderson is probably the best pitching prospect the Braves have and the pitching prospects have simply not emerged to such a point that you can spare Anderson. Another prospect that would be almost as difficult to let go is Langeliers because the Braves need one of their two catching prospects to emerge as their regular and catcher is the second most shallow hitting position.
There are in house options and if it weren’t for the fact that the Braves are IN a competitive window right now I would certainly be okay with risking Camargo returning to his 2018 form or giving Riley the chance to take the next step and adjust.
According to local Chicago radio, Cubs & Bryant are in contract extension talks…….Bryant wants to stay with the Cubs.
8 years for $275 million.
Strange that the Cubs refused to discuss an extension with Rizzo earlier this off-season……..yet they want to extend Bryant now?
Bryant and Rizzo are very close friends…..
I really think it will be the Braves even if the money is a little less. He’s comfortable there and loves playing in Atlanta.
If some team offers ten million more he’s signing with that team.
Go to Zillow dot com and look what you can buy with ten million more.
Eh. Maybe to you or I.
The man has made $80m, he’s not worried about what he can buy with an extra $10m, chances are, he’s already got it, or has the money to buy it now.
If the Braves sign Donaldson, then it will force the Nationals to overpay with their prospects for one of the top trade options, weakening their system for the next few years.
Adding Arenado would make the Braves the favorite in the N.L. Period. Whatever it takes would be worth it.
Disagree. They’re 1 more SP away (with Arenado) from that.
Are we talking Woods or Walker or someone at that level? Or who?
#1 or #2 pitcher.
Nats would be better sticking with Kieboom at 5 and spending on BP that selling the farm for Arenado.
This is even more drama than Kimbrel was…….
The Nats anted up with the Twins and forced the Braves to call on the 4 years. I just wonder why they soured on Camargo after his tenure at 3b?
Breaking news Josh Donaldson signs for the Braves. More breaking news it’s just not official yet. The Twins are losing on everything this year..
I think the Nationals should get Donaldson and the Twins should trade for Kyle Seager. I would love to see the Braves trade for Arenado. That would be sweet
The Braves have always been the team to raise talent only to be traded off or forgotten about. It’s about time to spend some money in order to stay contenders. At some point they have to spend money. They have Freddie locked in at a huge discount. Pay for the protection of your investment.
For the love of everything holy, pick a team!
he def. going for $28-30 AAV. It kills me to see some braves fans think hes going to give us a discount. donaldson earned the money but dont mean the braves have to be the ones to give it to him. he already has a WS ring, the man is going after the most money to end his career. Let him walk and throw a package for arenado/blackmon and cash for salary..
ATLbravos. Who did he get a WS ring with?
You people that call yourselves Braves fans, need to get off the Arenado and Bryant wagon. If you were really and truly Braves fans, you would know how they operate, but you are not evidently. Why would the Braves trade away ” cheap ” prospects, for a player that will cost 200+ million dollars in a couple of years? I guess it is good to dream sometimes.
Lets face logic. if Donaldson was about just the 4 years and 20-30 million wasn’t a real sticking point he would be signed as of today.
I like JD, liked him as a Blue Jay but he wants to score the biggest deal he can for him and his family. Truth is 130 million would be nicer than 100 million, to us that is isn’t a huge deal…. to players today it is. Loyalty is usually to their bank accounts….. just how it is.
Chipper took less to stay, but Chipper was and will always be a Brave, 100%. I imagine Freeman will be like Chipper and want to finish in Atlanta. Those guys are a special breed.
The Braves will figure it all out, one way or another. If not JD then forget Arenado and Bryant also….. price is to high.
I’m my opinion, it’s all hype. If the Braves offer the same as everyone else, Donaldson signs with the Braves. It’s the Braves way of trying to save face when he signs somewhere else.
I guess we will find out sooner or later he said if the money is close he prefers to stay in ATL but who knows how close
In other news, I’m surprised nobody has grabbed Matt Joyce yet. Not necessarily the Braves, as they have enough platooning going on, but Joyce seems like a good bench OF/DH option for a team like Oakland, Cleveland, Tampa, even Yankees. Cheap and decent LH hitter