MLB Rumors: Atlanta Braves Trade For Kris Bryant, Nolan Arenado More Likely With Josh Donaldson Gone

MLB’s final marquee free agent is off the market with Josh Donaldson agreeing to a four-year, $92 million contract with the Minnesota Twins. The move could have a domino effect and result in another star changing uniforms before the start of the 2020 season.

Donaldson hit .259/.379/.521 with 37 home runs for the Atlanta Braves in 2019. After playing on a one-year, $23 million deal, Donaldson was not able to come to a long-term agreement with Atlanta.

The Braves are expected to at least explore adding an All-Star caliber third baseman to replace Donaldson. A couple of players that fit that description appear to be available at the right price.

The Chicago Cubs are looking to shed payroll, making Kris Bryant a trade candidate. Rumors of an eventual Nolan Arenado trade continue to gain momentum.

MLB.com’s Jon Morosi noted a few weeks ago that there’s a 50% chance the Colorado Rockies will trade Arenado. ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported early in the offseason that Chicago was “aggressive” and “motivated” to deal one of its top players.

According to multiple reports, Donaldson’s signing makes Arenado and Bryant real options for Atlanta.

Source: #Braves unlikely to aggressively pursue a Nolan Arenado trade with the #Rockies while Josh Donaldson remains available in free agency. If Donaldson signs elsewhere, Arenado-to-Atlanta becomes more plausible. @MLBNetwork @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 29, 2019

The Atlanta #Braves had trade talks earlier with the #Cubs on Kris Bryant, but considered the asking price too steep. Those talks are expected to be revisited.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) January 15, 2020

Braves do like Marcell Ozuna. It’s believed they at least touched base with Castellanos too, but Ozuna seems more likely. They need middle of order bar to replace Donaldson. Might be easier to go the free agent OF route than fashion blockbuster for superstar 3B Arenado or Bryant.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 15, 2020

Shortly after the 2019 trade deadline, MLB.com ranked the Braves No.7 among the 30 minor-league systems in baseball. There is some speculation that the team is still unwilling to part with top prospects for Arenado or Bryant, both of whom can become free agents in two years.

Johan Camargo hit .233/.279/.384 with seven home runs in 98 games and is currently slated to be Atlanta’s third baseman next season. Austin Riley, who hit 18 home runs with a .750 OPS as a 22-year-old rookie with the Braves, can also play third base.

Atlanta has won two straight division titles and made consecutive first-round playoff exits. The Braves signed several free agents early in the offseason in their quest to return to the World Series.