3 reasons the Braves should not re-sign Josh Donaldson
We discuss three reasons why the Atlanta Braves should consider not re-signing free agent third baseman Josh Donaldson this offseason.
Maybe the primary free agent target for the Atlanta Braves — and certainly the majority of fans — this offseason is third baseman Josh Donaldson.
Let me start by saying that I am on board for re-signing the slugger, but let’s not blind ourselves to reality and think if we don’t sign him the offseason is a failure.
But before we get into my reasons why the Braves shouldn’t re-sign him, let’s look back at what he did for Atlanta during the 2019 season.
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Alex Anthopoulos signed Donaldson last offseason for a one-year deal worth $23 million.
It was a very surprising move at the time with everyone so focused on him upgrading with a big bat in right field.
And that was a lot of money and the only major move AA made all last offseason.
He rewarded AA and the Braves by hitting .259 with 37 home runs, 96 runs scored, 94 RBI, and an OPS of .900.
That all came after Donaldson got off to a very slow start and many Braves fans were calling for AA’s head for giving him all that money.
In the end, fans fell in love with the ‘Bringer of Rain’ and the best dugout celebration of all-time.
What was most surprising and pleasing to me was that Donaldson played Gold Glove level defense at third, finishing second in the NL Gold Glove to annual recipient Nolan Arenado.
I graduated from Auburn, so you know I love Donaldson playing for my favorite team.
But there are some very real reasons why the Braves should be cautious about re-signing him this offseason.