Since the Yankees acquired Josh Donaldson in a most surprising trade in the winter of 2021, the latter hasn’t exactly had a big moment in town. He’s still solid defensively, but at bat, to say it’s a pain for him is an understatement.
In 149 games in the Bronx since joining, he has a .215/.300/.386 batting line. His 21 long balls are not bad, but we agree that the club expected more from him.
And when you look only at 2023, it’s even worse. His batting line is .151/.233/.491. The fact that six of his eight hits are home runs helps his slugging average, but watch him hit and you’ll understand the frustration of Yankees fans.
Now 37, age seems to be catching up with the former Blue Jays star. And obviously he knows he’s getting old, because he’s not ready to confirm that he’ll play next year yet.
His big contract of $ 92 million over four years will end at the end of the current season, so he will become a free agent in a few months. If he decides to keep playing, he’ll probably have offers (likely one year at a moderate salary), but he could also decide to go spend some time with his family.
Because despite his fine career, Donaldson has really regressed in recent years. He’s no longer a guy who fits in well in the middle of the roster (even though the Yankees do, partially due to current injuries) and aside from his defense, he doesn’t add much to a team.
THE Bringer of Rain intends to chat with his family at the end of the campaign in connection with his future. He tries not to think about it too much right now, but he knows he’ll have to think about it sooner or later.
I have a feeling he’ll hang on his boots, but maybe a sudden burst of life in the second half of the season might inspire him to come back for another year.
- The Reds are in first place in the central. Joey Votto homered on his return to help the club win a ninth straight game.
- 400 wins for Alex Cora in Boston.
- A dramatic end to the game in San Francisco.
