Josh Donaldson Predictions: Los Angeles Dodgers To Beat Nationals, Braves And Twins To His Signature

Josh Donaldson is the last top free agent who hasn’t signed with a club for 2020 and there are plenty of suitors out there including the Washington Nationals, Atlanta Braves and Minnesota Twins. Meanwhile, recent evidence points to the fact that the Los Angeles Dodgers will swoop in and sign the third baseman ahead of the rest.

According to Aaron Gleeman and Dan Hayes of the Athletic, the Twins are beginning to accept that they will lose the Donaldson lottery and are looking elsewhere. They are one of a few clubs who have tabled an offer for the player but they are apparently short of his $100 million asking price.

As per the report, Minnesota is now exploring other avenues, including the trade market. They are also reportedly not limiting themselves to corner infield but are open to acquiring another starting pitcher should the opportunity present itself.

Meanwhile, the former front-runners, the Nationals, seem to be moving on as well. After signing a plethora of free agent infielders including Starlin Castro, Asdrubal Cabrera and Howie Kendrick, they have the depth to cover the hot corner in 2020.

According to the Washington Post’s Jesse Dougherty, Washington has not yet withdrawn their offer to Donaldson but are unwilling to up the ante. They are thought to have tabled the largest monetary offer but at least some of that is deferred which is less than ideal for the player.

Finally, MLB.com’s Mark Bowman reports that the Atlanta Braves feel that they are far from the top bidder, even despite the issues facing the other suitors. They have already splashed a lot of cash in free agency this winter and are perhaps unable to match Donaldson’s salary demands.

As per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, this situation may give the Los Angeles Dodgers the opening they need to swoop in and sign Josh Donaldson from under everyone else’s noses. While they already have a strong offense, they have a dearth of right-handed hitting.

Adding Donaldson would also mean that they wouldn’t have to part with much, just money and a draft pick. They have also explored trades for Nolan Arenado and Mookie Betts, but acquiring either would cost a king’s ransom in prospects.

While he won’t be cheap, the Dodgers are now in pole position to land Donaldson, so don’t be surprised to see him playing under the Los Angeles sun in 2020.