Fansided

Which MLB teams are still in on Josh Donaldson and can any of them top the Nationals?

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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PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 12: Atlanta Braves Third Base Josh Donaldson (20) smiles after the first inning during the game between the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies on September 12, 2019 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 12: Atlanta Braves Third Base Josh Donaldson (20) smiles after the first inning during the game between the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies on September 12, 2019 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

2. Atlanta Braves

Josh Donaldson and the Braves appeared to genuinely enjoy their lone season together. Always known for his fiery style of play, Donaldson appeared invigorated by the chance to play with the dynamic, young Atlanta core. The Braves appreciated his leadership and he was right at home in the clubhouse despite coming in on a short-term deal.

The Braves have already had a busy offseason, signing relievers Will Smith and Chris Martin, starter Cole Hamels and catcher Travis d’Arnaud. There’s still plenty of room below the tax threshold, but it’s unclear how much more the Braves can comfortably afford. Atlanta spent just under $159 million on the 2019 roster and has already committed to roughly $170 million without Donaldson. Keeping him would push that number very close to $200 million.

The ball might be entirely in the Braves’ court here. They’ve won two consecutive NL East titles and their young hitters and pitchers will only continue to get better. Donaldson is after a ring, but he won’t give the Braves a hometown discount. They’ll have to match his top offer dollar for dollar.

Donaldson might want to consider some game theory if he is forced to decide between the Braves and Nationals and come to the conclusion as to which team offers him the best chance to win a title. If he signs with the Braves, the Nationals will be left with a severely weakened lineup and few options remaining to replace the departed Anthony Rendon. That would make the Braves the odds-on favorite to win their third division title in a row. It’s going to come down to money, however, and the Braves have already spent too much of it this offseason to be considered the overwhelming favorites to keep their third baseman.

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