Fansided

Top 25 tradeable pieces to keep an eye on this season

By Joshua Sadlock

BALTIMORE, MD - MAY 16: Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles looks on during the eighth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on May 16, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - MAY 16: Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles looks on during the eighth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on May 16, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN- SEPTEMBER 17: Josh Donaldson #20 of the Toronto Blue Jays looks on against the Minnesota Twins on September 17, 2017 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the Blue Jays 13-7. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN- SEPTEMBER 17: Josh Donaldson #20 of the Toronto Blue Jays looks on against the Minnesota Twins on September 17, 2017 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the Blue Jays 13-7. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images) /

10. Josh Donaldson

More than one fatal flaw in the Toronto Blue Jays was exposed last year as their run of two straight trips to the ALCS came to an end. The Jays were in last place for most of 2017 before sliding past the flailing Baltimore Orioles in the final days of the season. Toronto has one of the oldest lineups in the league, relies heavily on young pitchers to stay healthy and does not have a strong bullpen.

After a better start to 2018, the Jays have slid back into fourth place. All-Star third baseman Josh Donaldson is still dealing with calf and shoulder injuries, Troy Tulowitzki has not played a single game, Curtis Granderson, Russell Martin and Kendrys Morales have looked flat and old, Roberto Osuna is facing a suspension for domestic violence and Marcus Stroman was knocked around to the tune of a 7.71 ERA in seven starts before landing on the DL with shoulder fatigue.

The Jays don’t need a complete overhaul like the Orioles. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is on the way, after all.

In his walk year, Donaldson has slumped while battling his injuries. The 2015 AL MVP and three-time All-Star is hitting just .234/.333/.423 on the year with five home runs and 16 RBI in 36 games. Donaldson will be only 32 in December, so it is far too early to write him off completely. He did post a .992 OPS with 24 home runs and 53 RBI in the second half last year, so the MVP levels are still attainable if everything goes right.

Health and availability are the biggest questions with Donaldson. If he is unable to bounce back from the calf injury in June, his value as a trade chip takes an even bigger hit. The Jays will still expect a solid prospect in return, but could also elect to make a run at re-signing Donaldson this winter and shifting him across the diamond to first base or off the field completely to DH. He has done a lot for the franchise and has not played himself out of Toronto’s price range. The fans love Donaldson, and it will take a big return to pry him away.

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