Josh Donaldson returned to free company at season’s finish. The veteran third baseman had completed out the yr with the Brewers after being launched by the Yankees in late August.
The 2015 AL MVP tells Josh Wegman of The Rating that he’s open to a return for what can be his age-38 season. A possible 14th massive league marketing campaign would seemingly be his final, as Donaldson indicated he’d be unlikely to proceed into 2025.
“If it’s a scenario that I really feel (snug in) then I’m positively up for taking part in another yr,” Donaldson informed Wegman. “However I feel after this upcoming season, that might be my final season it doesn’t matter what. I want to play another yr and exit on an excellent observe after which that’d be it.”
Donaldson isn’t going to be a precedence goal for groups coming off the worst season of his profession. He had hit .142/.225/.434 in 34 video games for the Yankees. Donaldson had a pair of prolonged injured listing stints, shedding time to hamstring and calf accidents. His manufacturing in Milwaukee was barely improved however nonetheless under common. Over 17 contests with the Brew Crew, he managed a .169/.290/.390 displaying. He completed the yr with a weird .152/.249/.418 batting line over 189 plate appearances. A staggering 13 of his 25 hits for the season have been house runs.
Whereas he nonetheless brings some energy potential from the right-handed batter’s field, Donaldson’s offense has skewed towards an excessive three true outcomes method. He absolutely gained’t repeat a .115 batting common on balls in play, however he’s additionally placing out greater than he did earlier in his profession.
In July, Donaldson acknowledged some uncertainty about enjoying past 2023. He’s apparently now prepared to take action, though it’s potential he’d be explicit a few vacation spot. Donaldson understandably didn’t appear enthused in regards to the thought of signing with a non-competitive crew. On the identical time, he indicated the calculus for competitiveness can be his subjective notion of a crew’s probabilities versus common consensus.
“For me to imagine that the crew has an opportunity to contend, I wouldn’t say that everyone has to have the considered that crew contending,” Donaldson stated. “I might positively need to really feel just like the crew has an opportunity to win.”
It isn’t clear if he’d have any urge for food for a minor league deal if no crew have been prepared to ensure him a roster spot. Donaldson’s contract with the Brewers was a non-roster deal, however Milwaukee known as him up after 5 tune-up video games in Triple-A.
Matt Chapman is the headliner of this winter’s free agent third base class. Jeimer Candelario is the clear #2 choice, whereas Justin Turner and Evan Longoria are veteran righty hitters who might rotate by way of the nook infield and designated hitter. Gio Urshela has an opportunity at a two-year deal. Brian Anderson, Mike Moustakas and Eduardo Escobar are among the many depth choices.
