Josh Donaldson Predictions: Dodgers And Nationals To Battle Over Free Agent Third Baseman

Josh Donaldson is still a free agent and a few teams are hopeful of landing the star third baseman, but due to moves elsewhere the Los Angeles Dodgers and Washington Nationals are set to battle each other for his coveted signature.

Other potential landing spots for Josh Donaldson until recently included the Minnesota Twins, Atlanta Braves and Texas Rangers. However, all three look down and out in the Donaldson sweepstakes due to recent news.

The Twins elected to offer third baseman Miguel Sano a three-year contract extension with an option for a fourth. Should the fourth year get exercised, the deal is set to pay Sano $41 million, leaving the frugal franchise unable to compete with the financial muscle of either the Nats or Dodgers.

The Braves, meanwhile, had long feared that their offer was well off the mark of Josh Donaldson’s desired $110 million. Atlanta has all but accepted the fact that their star of the 2019 season will sign elsewhere. Although it is not all doom and gloom for the Braves as they are entitled to draft pick compensation should Donaldson sign for another club.

Finally, as per Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, the Texas Rangers secured their hot corner by agreeing terms with free agent Todd Frazier. The former New York Met can’t match Josh Donaldson’s bat but his $3.5 million deal for 2020 does represent good value.

The Rangers were already considered outsiders to land Josh Donaldson and signing Frazier means they no longer have the desire to land the former Toronto Blue Jay. While there are undoubtedly other teams interested in Donaldson, the Dodgers and Nationals are clear favorites for his signature.

Washington has been in for the player ever since they lost out on former third baseman Anthony Rendon. Rendon chose to sign with the Los Angeles Angels this winter. The Nationals are known to have tendered a four-year offer, although it is thought that theirs includes deferred money.

Los Angeles, meanwhile, don’t really need a third baseman with Justin Turner currently occupying the post. However, they have a lefty-heavy lineup and adding Josh Donaldson would make them just that much more difficult to pitch against.

The race for Josh Donaldson is down to two suitors and it is now time for them to show who wants him more.