Go prove it. That’s the type of deal that Josh Donaldson was looking for and he got it. The bringer of rain is headed to Atlanta. The Braves and Donaldson have agreed to a one-year contract worth $23 million. Braves general manager, Alex Anthopolous, had Donaldson when he was running the Blue Jays so it’s not surprising the two came together on a deal.
Former GM and current MLB Sirius radio host, Steve Phillips, was the first to report the news:
Per sources: Josh Donaldson and the #Braves are close to finalizing a one-year deal. This would reunite the @BringerOfRain20 with Alex Anthopolous, the exec that brought him to the #BlueJays in November 2014.
— Steve Phillips (@StevePhillipsGM) November 26, 2018
What a move by the Braves. Already with superstar young talent with Ronald Acuna and Ozzie Albies, signing Donaldson brings in a veteran leader in the clubhouse. Atlanta won the NL East last year with an extremely young team. Adding Donaldson makes the real contenders to win the NL… if he is healthy.
Donaldson, 32, was stymied with injuries a year ago. Donaldson would have landed a multi-year deal if he were healthy. Donaldson played just 52 games this past year and frankly wasn’t productive for a large portion of the 2018 season. After hitting a measly .234 with the Blue Jays, The Bringer of Rain caught fire with Cleveland after a midseason trade. The Cleveland version of Donaldson may prove that he can still be a productive player hitting .280 with an OBP of .400 in 50 at bats. From 2015-2017, Donaldson hit 101 home runs and was regarded as one of the best third basemen in the sport.
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Atlanta is in go for it mode. Earlier today they also reunited with Brian McCann signing him to a one-year deal. Atlanta likely isn’t done. They have a plethora of young players to dangle in trades to add more pitching. Donaldson could turn into one of the biggest steals this offseason and the Braves continue to build a real product on the field.
