Atlanta Braves offseason: 3 bold predictions

1. Josh Donaldson leaves via free agency

It has not exactly been a secret that resigning Josh Donaldson is numero uno on the Braves offseason to-do list.

But it has also been common knowledge that many teams have expressed interest in Donaldson. While Anthony Rendon is the gem among free agent third basemen, Donaldson would be a great secondary prize.

Anthopoulos has stated publicly the Braves’ interest in bringing Donaldson back but also understands there will be competition.

A three-year offer has a chance to snag Donaldson and four years for sure gets him.

I see no way the Braves go four years (nor should they) and three years might also be a stretch.

David O’Brien, Braves reporter for The Athletic, has said a two-year deal with an option for the third year might be something the Braves feel comfortable with.

Thus, I think another team comes in with three or four guaranteed years and signs J.D. The Rangers, with the ability to put Donaldson at DH in year three or four of the contract years, make the most sense.

So if the Braves indeed miss out on Donaldson, they will need to look elsewhere.

Is Mike Moustakas the guy? Jon Heyman said on Twitter Wednesday that Atlanta views Moose as a nice fallback option.

Maybe a trade involving some of the Braves highly rated prospects could land a third baseman?

Which leads me to my next prediction…