MLB Predictions: Josh Donaldson To Get $100 Million Contract From Washington Nationals

Josh Donaldson is dominating MLB hot stove headlines at the moment because he is undisputedly the best free agent still available. The likes of Gerrit Cole, Stephen Strasburg and Madison Bumgarner have all signed with new clubs.

Additionally, Anthony Rendon and Mike Moustakas have also agreed to terms with the Los Angeles Angels and Cincinnati Reds leaving the third base market is a strange place. Donaldson is by far the best available, regardless of position, with the likes of Todd Frazier stocking the next tier of third baseman.

The Chicago Cubs are willing to deal Kris Bryant, but he would cost a few young prospects as the Cubbies are in no rush to sell. Due to the fact that the Atlanta Braves tendered a qualifying offer to Josh Donaldson, if he signs for another club, they will have to part ways with a draft pick.

After missing out on Anthony Rendon, the Washington Nationals are in fairly desperate need of a new face at the hot corner. They have contacted the Cubs about Kris Bryant but MLB Network’s Jon Heyman reports that Chicago would demand budding star Victor Robles in return.

The Nats are not very keen on allowing a projected MLB star player to leave their minor league system, especially when they can get what they need from the free agent market. Josh Donaldson, of course, has other suitors but Washington really stands out.

After all, they did hold hopes of tying down Rendon to fresh terms after agreeing a pact with Strasburg. This indicates the Nationals could make a deal in the ballpark of his $35 million per season average value that the Los Angeles Angels paid Rendon.

The Los Angeles Dodgers, Texas Rangers, Minnesota Twins and Philadelphia Phillies all hold interest in Josh Donaldson as well but Heyman also reports they are all less aggressive in their pursuit than Washington.

No doubt at least a couple of these teams will make a play for Donaldson in addition to the Nats. This sets up the possibility of a bidding war which Washington will be expected to win. However, they will likely have to pay a dear price for the privilege.

MLBTradeRumors predicts Josh Donaldson will earn $25 million in his next contract and will demand multiple years. Industry experts speculate that a three-year pact would make sense for all parties but the potential bidding war could result in four-year terms.

Therefore, expect to see Josh Donaldson sign for the Washington Nationals on a $100 million contract.