Which MLB teams have the best chance to sign Josh Donaldson?

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 04: Josh Donaldson #20 of the Atlanta Braves reacts after an RBI single off Jack Flaherty #22 of the St. Louis Cardinals in the first inning in game two of the National League Division Series at SunTrust Park on October 04, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /

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ST. PETERSBURG, FL – JUN 30: Elvis Andrus (1) of the Rangers congratulates Joey Gallo (13) after Gallo’s homerun at home plate during the MLB regular season game between the Texas Rangers and the Tampa Bay Rays on June 30, 2019, at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, FL. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

2. Texas Rangers

As they prepare to move into their new ballpark, the Texas Rangers are gearing up for an aggressive offseason and have Josh Donaldson at the top of their wish list. The Rangers fought hard to stay around the fringes of playoff contention last year before fading in August and September. Texas lost 30 of their last 50 games, but still took a big step in the right direction in 2019.

Texas wants to ensure their fans will be cheering on a winner when they come out to the new stadium. Their roster is young but coming together quickly. Donaldson would be walking into a situation very similar to Atlanta’s. Texas has young, exciting hitters like Joey Gallo and Willie Calhoun who combined for 43 home runs in 153 games last year. Right fielder Nomar Mazara has also flashed potential and is still only 24.

The Rangers won’t be able to guarantee Donaldson a playoff spot right away, but there are other pros to signing with Texas. The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex has typically been a favorable environment for aging veterans to wind down their careers. Adrian Beltre cemented his Hall of Fame legacy with the Rangers. Hunter Pence turned back the clock last year to hit .297/.358/.552 with 18 home runs and 59 RBI in 83 games. Donaldson’s aging body would benefit from avoiding the cold early-season games of the NL East without moving too far from home.

Donaldson should take a long, hard look at signing with the Rangers if they come in with a strong offer. They are also expected to pursue another starting pitcher to join Mike Minor and Lance Lynn to form a rotation that will keep the team in most games. Seeing the Rangers unseat the Oakland Athletics as the number-two in the AL West would not be a huge surprise next season, especially if they land Donaldson.

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