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Atlanta Braves Morning Chop: pros and cons of claiming Josh Donaldson

By Alan Carpenter

NEW YORK, NY - MAY 15: Josh Donaldson #20 of the Toronto Blue Jays is unable to throw out Juan Lagares #12 of the New York Mets in the fifth inning at Citi Field on May 15, 2018 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 15: Josh Donaldson #20 of the Toronto Blue Jays is unable to throw out Juan Lagares #12 of the New York Mets in the fifth inning at Citi Field on May 15, 2018 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ON – MAY 23: Josh Donaldson #20 of the Toronto Blue Jays reacts after being called out on strikes in the third inning during MLB game action against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Rogers Centre on May 23, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – MAY 23: Josh Donaldson #20 of the Toronto Blue Jays reacts after being called out on strikes in the third inning during MLB game action against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Rogers Centre on May 23, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /

The Braves’ Pros and Cons

Here’s why I think Atlanta WON’T claim Donaldson:

  • Because odds are about 50/50 that somebody else will claim him first… the Braves are 28th in line out of 29 teams.
  • Because $4 million bucks is a lot.  Yeah, the Jays might cut that a bit for a decent prospect, but… maybe not.
  • Because there’s just too much risk of re-injury, which would end his season immediately.
  • Because it would be ‘disruptive’ to the team… something Alex Anthopoulos promised not to do.  Johan Camargo and Dansby Swanson would become 2 players vying for a single position.
  • Because he bats from the right side and the Braves really could use a lefty bat more.

Here’s why I think Atlanta WILL claim Donaldson:

  • Because odds are about 50/50 that nobody else will claim him first… and the Braves will not want to leave this decision to chance by allowing the Jays to negotiate with every team.
  • Because they really could use an offensive jolt, and risky as Donaldson might be, he’s easily the best risk available.
  • So he’s right-handed?  Have you seen Adam Duvall’s line lately?
  • Because there are 2 roster spots available; Brandon McCarthy may get the other slot soon:  he’s currently on the 60-day disabled list.
  • Because the trio of Donaldson/Camargo/Swanson can man the left side of the infield along with bench bat duties, which might preserve Donaldson’s health.
  • Because there has to be a reason that Anthopoulos hasn’t acted already, right??
  • Because Donaldson is Alex Anthopoulos’ greatest trade coup and he really really likes him.
  • Because the Braves want to audition him for 2019 as well.  Yes, I said that.

I do think this is a fascinating call – both in terms of ‘who makes a claim’ and ‘how much is given?’ to acquire the player.

More from Tomahawk Take

According to Baseball America’s international signings tracker for this year, the Blue Jays have been extremely active in Latin America, signing 28 teens to development contracts.

Of note:  the Braves still have International money to burn.  As you are probably aware, the Braves have already used their international pool monies to acquire key assets during this trade season.

I would expect that such resources could be employed again this week to help secure a deal for Donaldson – especially given the Jays’ activity internationally.

We’ve been waiting for the Braves to act here in August… this is one of their last chances, but this wait has allowed others to choose to get involved ahead of them.

Next. Here's 1 answer for 2019. dark

We won’t know the answers for another 55-ish hours.  Stay tuned.

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