Fansided

MLB power rankings: Top 25 current players

By Joshua Sadlock

April 8, 2017; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) celebrates after he hits a two run home run against the Seattle Mariners in the seventh inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
April 8, 2017; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) celebrates after he hits a two run home run against the Seattle Mariners in the seventh inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Josh Donaldson, Toronto Blue Jays
Apr 13, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter Josh Donaldson (20) runs to first base after hitting an RBI double in the sixth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

11. Josh Donaldson

3B, Toronto Blue Jays

  • Career Stats: .278/.366/.504, 143 HR, 454 RBI, 7+ WAR past four seasons
  • Career Accolades: 2015 AL MVP, 3x All-Star, 2x Silver Slugger

Unshackled of the weird bay breezes and excessively large foul territory of Oakland, Josh Donaldson has emerged as a perennial MVP candidate in the American League. Combining an excellent approach at the plate with elite power, Donaldson is one of the toughest outs in baseball. He just refuses to get himself out by swinging at a pitcher’s pitch.

In his two-plus seasons with the Blue Jays, Donaldson has batted .291/.388/.560 with 75 doubles, 80 homers, and 226 RBI. He was the missing piece to take the Jose Bautisa and Edwin Encarnacion Jays over the top. Donaldson changed the swagger of the lineup in a way that the brooding Bautista had not been able to do in Toronto. He has become the most dangerous bat in the Toronto lineup.

Donaldson was slowed by a hip injury at times last season, and is already battling a calf injury this year. The Blue Jays, who are off to the most abysmal offensive starts in the league, cannot afford to have him miss much more than a week if they are going to climb out of the massive hole they have created for themselves. Donaldson will put up MVP-type numbers whether or not anyone else around him in the lineup hits.

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