We’ve seen lots of big splashes already in the free agent market this offseason, but one name of interest remains unsigned, and that is Josh Donaldson. Keeping up with his offseason is of particular interest to me because I am an Atlanta Braves fan. Donaldson signed a 1 year, $23 million contract last offseason to play in Atlanta, and proceeded to have a huge year with 37 home runs and 94 RBI, proving he is still the high-caliber player he once was after a couple of injury-filled seasons. Now that he has proved that, he is seeking big money and a minimum of a four-year contract. Let’s take a look at possible landing spots for Donaldson:

Washington Nationals

Like I’ve said, I’m a Braves fan and would hate to see him end up here. But it is a very real possibility. The Nationals aren’t afraid to throw money around and it is popularly believed (although unknown) that they have offered him the most money out of all his suitors. Ideally, Donaldson is looking for a four-year, $110 million contract, but I honestly don’t think he’ll get that. But if he decides to make it all about the money, the Nationals have a good shot, especially after losing their star third basemen Anthony Rendon this offseason to the Angels. Also if winning is a priority, then the Nationals have as good of a shot as almost any team.

However, the Nationals have also recently signed infieders Starlin Castro and Asdrubal Cabrera, and their #1 prospect Carter Kieboom is ready for the majors as well. If the Nats signed Donaldson, things would be very crowded, very quick. But, that’s a good problem to have and one the Nationals wouldn’t mind too much. “We’re never out on anything,” said Nationals’ GM Mike Rizzo.

Minnesota Twins

The Twins are one of the three teams (Twins, Nationals, and Braves) that have offered Donaldson a four-year deal. It is believed they have offered in the $80-85 million range and have made signing him a top priority this offseason. And who could blame them? From putting up record-breaking offensive numbers this past season, adding Donaldson would make them potentially one of the scariest offenses of all time. This is another team that is ready to win now. So, if Donaldson is looking at the potential lineups to surround him, and winning a World Series, the Twins have a great shot. Having that much lineup protection will sure to boost his offensive numbers, or at least keep them very close to where they were during last year’s great season.

Another attractive thing about playing for the Twins, whether Donaldson is considering it or not, is the fact that facing AL Central pitching will be far easier than other divisions, including the NL East which has sensational pitching. The Tigers and Royals are in rebuilding mode right now, then you have the White Sox and Indians. Coming from the NL East, Donaldson would be licking his chops facing AL Central pitching on a regular basis.

Atlanta Braves

The Braves are an obvious potential landing spot for Josh Donaldson, considering his very productive season just spent there and the team’s obvious need for a third basemen. Some people may feel different, but I don’t think Austin Riley is the answer at third base. While he had a hot start to the big leagues, he cooled off tremendously and never seemed to be able to adjust to major league pitching. It would be a major downgrade going from Donaldson to Riley this year if the Braves don’t find a way to sign Josh. So, the Braves need him, but how much does Donaldson need (or want) the Braves?

After signing with Atlanta last year, Donaldson said he grew up a Braves fan and that he was extremely excited to play for his childhood team. While that is a nice extra tidbit, I never make too much of it when players say that because when looking for a team, players are mostly focused on two things: money and winning. The Braves can win and they proved that last year. However, I think other teams (even the Twins and Nationals) have better chances of winning the World Series because of better pitching. That, in my opinion, would give a slight one-up to those teams.

Now let’s get to money. It was reported from Braves’ reporter Mark Bowman last week that there’s a lot of doubt the Braves have come close to the top offer to Donaldson. We don’t know for sure who made the top offer, how much it was, and how much less the Braves offered. But that does sound exactly like the Atlanta Braves, so I believe it 100%. Would Donaldson take a hometown discount? We don’t know, but it has been reported that if no other substantial offers are made, then he would choose to stay in Atlanta. So, take that for what it’s worth.

Prediction

My prediction, without bias, is Josh Donaldson will stay in Atlanta. He’s 34 years old so I really believe a four-year guaranteed deal is very important to him. With only three teams offering him that, I believe it has to be one of these three teams, even though other clubs such as the Dodgers have expressed interest. I know Donaldson liked his year spent wearing a Braves uniform and he is comfortable there and likes the clubhouse atmosphere. Those things sort of fly under the radar when trying to guess where players will end up, but they are extremely important at the same time. My prediction isn’t pushed by a strong feeling, though. If he hasn’t signed yet and is holding out for a potential $110 million contract, it very much concerns me given the widespread feeling around the league that the Braves’ offer is not even close to the top offer. I’m just going with my gut feeling here. I would imagine we will find out sooner than later, though. Just don’t sign with the Nationals, Josh…

Garett

Which Team Will Land FA Josh Donaldson?