Fansided

Five free agent targets to complete a perfect offseason for the Atlanta Braves

By Joshua Sadlock

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 13: Josh Donaldson #20 of the Atlanta Braves follows the play against the Washington Nationals during the ninth inning at Nationals Park on September 13, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 13: Josh Donaldson #20 of the Atlanta Braves follows the play against the Washington Nationals during the ninth inning at Nationals Park on September 13, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – OCTOBER 09: Atlanta Braves third baseman Josh Donaldson #20 rounds the bases after hitting a home run the fifth and final game of the National League Division Series between the Atlanta Braves and the St. Louis Cardinals on October 9, 2019 at Suntrust Park in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – OCTOBER 09: Atlanta Braves third baseman Josh Donaldson #20 rounds the bases after hitting a home run the fifth and final game of the National League Division Series between the Atlanta Braves and the St. Louis Cardinals on October 9, 2019 at Suntrust Park in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

1. Josh Donaldson

The Braves moved quickly to sign their new closer, but their top priority entering this winter was believed to be re-signing All-Star third baseman Josh Donaldson. The 33-year-old just completed a strong rebound season with the Braves, hitting .259/.379/.521 with 37 home runs and 94 RBI. He finished 11th in NL MVP voting and actually led the team in WAR over superstar teammates Freddie Freeman and Ronald Acuna.

Donaldson will be seeking a multi-year deal to capture his final remaining prime earning years. He has never been in this position as a free agent. Last season, in his first crack at free agency, Donaldson was forced to accept a one-year deal with the Braves to prove his value after two injury-plagued seasons in a row. Not sticking in the big leagues until the age of 26 has cost Donaldson millions of dollars, so he will be looking to really cash in this year.

Staying in Atlanta may be Donaldson’s first choice, but he won’t be offering any sort of hometown discount. He was instantly loved in the clubhouse for his fiery brand of leadership, something the more reserved Freeman and veteran Nick Markakis shy away from. The up-and-coming stars in the Atlanta lineup benefited greatly from being around Donaldson.

If the Braves are serious about re-signing Donaldson, they’ll find a way to come up with the best offer when it’s all said and done. There is no reason to shy away from a four-year deal in the range of $90-100 million for Donaldson’s services. The Braves give him a great chance to win a World Series title, a star-studded lineup to anchor and a chance to play close to his childhood home in Alabama.

One free agent each MLB team needs to target this offseason. dark. Next

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