Veteran third baseman Josh Donaldson took a risk in signing a one-year deal with the Atlanta Braves last offseason, but the move could pay major dividends this offseason.
Donaldson had been coming off a pair of injury-riddled seasons ahead of the 2019 campaign, but he played in 155 games with the Braves while slashing .259/.379/.521 with 37 homers.
The 2015 AL MVP is back on the market, and he already has a number of suitors. ESPN's Jeff Passan reports that the Texas Rangers could pursue Donaldson in free agency (via Mike Axisa and R.J. Anderson of CBS Sports):
Passan also delivers a less surprising note: the Rangers are interested in free-agent third baseman Josh Donaldson.
Donaldson is the second-best third baseman available, behind Anthony Rendon, but his advanced age will likely limit his contractual demands. The Rangers have the need and the means — they're opening a new ballpark in 2020 and intend to improve their roster ahead of that occasion.
The Rangers are likely to conduct a rigorous pursuit of Rendon — a Houston native and the best position player on the market — but Donaldson would be a suitable consolation prize.
Donaldson was lauded for his veteran leadership in Atlanta, and his presence in the lineup provided protection for the likes of Freddie Freeman and Ronald Acuna. Donaldson is also one of the best defensive third basemen in the game.
Despite finishing below the .500 mark, the Rangers feel they are on the cusp of competing. They have the payroll space to sign one or two marquee free agents, and young talents like Joey Gallo and Willie Calhoun flashed glimpses of their potential.
Expect Texas to be aggressive this winter.
Follow Us
Subscribe