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Yankees: 3 players who won’t be on the roster by August 1

By Zach Pressnell

Brian Cashman, Yankees (Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports)
Brian Cashman, Yankees (Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports) /
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Jun 11, 2023; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees third baseman Josh Donaldson (28) reacts after hitting a deep fly ball for an out against the Boston Red Sox during the sixth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 11, 2023; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees third baseman Josh Donaldson (28) reacts after hitting a deep fly ball for an out against the Boston Red Sox during the sixth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-USA TODAY Sports /

Yankees rumors: Josh Donaldson is bound to be off the roster by August 1st

Yankees fans from all over the world have been calling for Josh Donaldson to be removed from the roster for the better part of two seasons now. Donaldson has posted a .456 slugging percentage this season, which ironically is the exact same slugging percentage he posted in 2014 when he was selected to the All-Star Game as an Athletic. Nine of Donaldson’s 13 hits in 2023 have left the park for home runs. So what’s the issue with the former MVP?

Well, the problem is everything except the long ball. Donaldson has been atrocious for the Yankees, hitting less than .150 despite the nine home runs. He’s posting a career low in OPS, OBP and AVG as his slash line is a terrible .144/.218/.456 as of today. His production just hasn’t been there. The Yankees need a better bat in their lineup if they want to make the playoffs and push toward a World Series.

Donaldson is only signed through this season, with 2024 being a club option that the Yankees will absolutely decline. The Yankees have a 23-year-old infielder, Oswald Peraza sitting in Triple-A waiting to replace Donaldson. Peraza wasn’t great in his MLB stints so far, but he has much more potential and talent than the 37-year-old Donaldson.