Headlines

  • Athletics Trade Cristian Pache To Phillies
  • Pirates, Bryan Reynolds Continue To Discuss Extension; Start Of Regular Season Reportedly Seen As Deadline
  • MLB, MLBPA Reach Tentative Agreement On Minor League CBA
  • Guardians, Trevor Stephan Agree To Four-Year Extension
  • Cubs Sign Nico Hoerner To Three-Year Extension
  • Daniel Murphy Signs With Long Island Ducks
  • Previous
  • Next
Register
Login
  • Hoops Rumors
  • Pro Football Rumors
  • Pro Hockey Rumors

MLB Trade Rumors

  • Home
  • Teams
    • AL East
      • Baltimore Orioles
      • Boston Red Sox
      • New York Yankees
      • Tampa Bay Rays
      • Toronto Blue Jays
    • AL Central
      • Chicago White Sox
      • Cleveland Guardians
      • Detroit Tigers
      • Kansas City Royals
      • Minnesota Twins
    • AL West
      • Houston Astros
      • Los Angeles Angels
      • Oakland Athletics
      • Seattle Mariners
      • Texas Rangers
    • NL East
      • Atlanta Braves
      • Miami Marlins
      • New York Mets
      • Philadelphia Phillies
      • Washington Nationals
    • NL Central
      • Chicago Cubs
      • Cincinnati Reds
      • Milwaukee Brewers
      • Pittsburgh Pirates
      • St. Louis Cardinals
    • NL West
      • Arizona Diamondbacks
      • Colorado Rockies
      • Los Angeles Dodgers
      • San Diego Padres
      • San Francisco Giants
  • About
    • MLB Trade Rumors
    • Tim Dierkes
    • Writing team
    • Advertise
    • Archives
  • Contact
  • Tools
    • 2022-23 MLB Free Agent List
    • Top 50 Free Agents
    • Projected Arbitration Salaries For 2023
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Extension Tracker
    • Arbitration Tracker
    • Agency Database
  • NBA/NFL/NHL
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors
  • App
  • Chats
Go To Pro Hockey Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors

Twins Sign Josh Donaldson

By Steve Adams | January 22, 2020 at 11:25am CDT

JANUARY 22: The signing is now official. Donaldson’s pact also includes a five-team no-trade clause, Dan Hayes of The Athletic tweets.

JANUARY 15: The Twins have reportedly agreed to a four-year, $92MM contract with free agent third baseman Josh Donaldson. It’s said to include a $16MM club option for a fifth season, which comes with a $8MM buyout. Donaldson is represented by the MVP Sports Group.

The $92MM guarantee makes this the largest free-agent signing in team history and the second-largest contract the franchise has ever given out, trailing only Joe Mauer’s eight-year, $184MM mega-deal.

Minnesota has long been reported to hold interest in Donaldson after missing out on higher-end upgrades in the starting rotation earlier in the winter. By bringing Donaldson aboard, the Twins will shift the recently extended Miguel Sano across the diamond to first base, upgrading their infield defense substantially while adding one of the game’s most potent bats to what was already one of MLB’s best lineups in 2019.

Donaldson, 34, bounced back from an injury-ruined 2018 season to hit .259/.379/.521 with 37 home runs in 155 games/659 plate appearances with the Braves last season. That marked his fourth season of at least 33 home runs in the past five years, with the lone exception coming in 2018 when a calf injury held him to 52 games. His addition, incredibly, will give the Twins six players who hit 30 or more home runs in 2019; Sano, Nelson Cruz, Max Kepler, Eddie Rosario and Mitch Garver also crossed the 30-homer threshold on a team that Rosario nicknamed the “Bomba Squad.” While that type of output can’t be expected to be repeated — at least, assuming the league corrects last year’s juiced ball — the Twins should still be in possession of perhaps baseball’s most powerful lineup.

For the Twins, Donaldson’s glove at third base is arguably as important as his offensive prowess. Despite playing last season at age 33, Donaldson tied for 17th among MLB infielders with +8 Outs Above Average (per Statcast). Sano, conversely, checked in at -5 in that same category, so shifting him across the diamond in favor of Donaldson will represent a marked upgrade to the team’s infield defense, which was quietly one of its most significant needs. Shortstop Jorge Polanco graded out poorly, as did rookie second baseman Luis Arraez. The team’s infield defense surely won’t be a strength in 2020, but it figures to be considerably better with Donaldson than it otherwise would have.

Given the Twins’ inability to upgrade their rotation in a notable way this winter, that improved defense will be all the more important. Minnesota has signed Homer Bailey and Rich Hill to affordable one-year deals but will otherwise rely upon a very similar starting staff to the one that looked overmatched in the 2019 American League Division Series. Jose Berrios remains under club control as an arbitration-eligible player, while Jake Odorizzi accepted a qualifying offer and Michael Pineda re-signed on a two-year, $20MM deal. There’s still room for the Twins to make an addition, of course, but the free-agent market has been largely picked over and the trade market doesn’t offer a clearly available top-of-the-rotation arm.

The addition of Donaldson should push the Twins to a new franchise record in payroll, eclipsing the previous mark of $129MM by a good margin. Assuming an even $21MM breakdown of the first four years of the deal, the Twins’ 2020 payroll will clock in at just shy of $140MM. Large as that number may be, the Twins’ total commitments will plummet to about $55MM in 2021; Odorizzi, Cruz, Bailey, Hill, Marwin Gonzalez, Alex Avila, Tyler Clippard, Trevor May and Ehire Adrianza are all lined up to become free agents.

Signing Donaldson, who rejected a qualifying offer from the Braves, will cost the Twins their third-highest pick in the 2020. That’s their Competitive Balance Round B selection — currently slotted to come in at No. 73 overall. The Braves, conversely, will receive a compensatory selection between the end of Competitive Balance Round B and the beginning of Round 3. Coincidentally, the comp pick they’ll receive will land in the exact same range as the pick that Minnesota is surrendering.

Certainly, given Donaldson’s age, there’s some risk with the deal. He’s generally been a durable commodity outside of that 2018 season, but Donaldson’s ability to remain an elite player into the middle years of this contract is more in question than is typical with younger free agents. Of course, with Cruz among the Twins’ many free agents next winter, Donaldson could eventually begin seeing some extra time at DH to help keep him productive. And, in the final season or two of the deal, it’s possible that he could even serve as the team’s primary designated hitter if that becomes necessary.

Looking ahead to the remainder of the offseason, it seems likely that the Twins will continue to at least parse the market for available pitching upgrades. The bullpen is in better shape than it was at the onset of free agency, but there’s potentially some room for another ’pen addition and certainly room for another starter to be brought into the fray. Just how much further owner Jim Pohlad is willing to push payroll and how willing president of baseball ops Derek Falvey is to part with young talent will ultimately dictate whether another splash is in the offing.

The Twins, of course, aren’t the only team impacted by this signing. The Braves now have a glaring hole in the middle of their lineup and a need at the hot corner. The Nationals, another finalist in the Donaldson mix, can turn to some combination of Starlin Castro, Asdrubal Cabrera or prospect Carter Kieboom at third base. That Donaldson landed in Minnesota also bodes well for both the Cubs and Rockies, if either plans to seriously entertain offers for their respective star third basemen, Kris Bryant and Nolan Arenado. The Twins wouldn’t necessarily have made a push to add a different third baseman had Donaldson signed elsewhere, having Sano already in the fold. But the Braves now appear to have a significant need at third base — creating a clear avenue to a potential trade for a third baseman of some type.

Mark Feinsand of MLB.com tweeted news of the signing. Darren Wolfson of 1500 SKOR North Radio (via Twitter), Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com (via Twitter), and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic (via Twitter) all reported contract details.  This post was originally published on 1-14-20.

Share 0 Retweet 21 Send via email0

Minnesota Twins Newsstand Transactions Josh Donaldson

Phillies To Sign Francisco Liriano
Main
Phillies To Sign Neil Walker
View Comments (534)

Comments

  1. Phiilies2020

    3 years ago

    Felt the pressure

    Reply
    • Braves Fan 138

      3 years ago

      Congrats to the twins, I wish JD all the best and I hope he stays healthy. You were fun to watch last year, great team player.

      Reply
      • titanic struggle

        3 years ago

        Great comment…you’re a good fan of the game!

        Reply
        • 87twins

          3 years ago

          I agree

        • toastyroasty

          3 years ago

          Noble sentiment. Good luck JD. I will follow your career closely but I am very glad that if you are not a Brave, you are at least in the American League.

        • realsox

          3 years ago

          The Donaldson signing surprises me a bit. The Twins need pitching more than more thump in their lineup, and $92 million can buy good pitching. This may actually work out well for other teams in the division who won’t (at least as of now) have to face an improved Twins rotation.

        • twins33

          3 years ago

          There’s no pitcher left who’s worth giving a big contract to. I agree with you though. They should have got Wheeler and/or Ryu.

          Still love getting Donaldson since he’s was the best player available out of who’s left, pitching or position player.

        • werbellik

          3 years ago

          I don’t believe we should conclude that the Twins won’t add starting pitching.

        • hockeyjohn

          3 years ago

          What good starting pitching is available?

        • Jaysthoughts

          3 years ago

          He will help the pitchers with his excellent defense. He was a perfect fit for them. Yes they shoulda paid for Ryu or another quality starter but some pitchers dont want to pitch in Minnesota. Nothing against the city of course, but i would wanna pitch in warmer climates.

        • maxorange33

          3 years ago

          It’s Minnesota in the summer, not Churchill, it’s pretty freakin’ hot most the time. He won’t be hanging around for Christmas or January!

      • Vandals Took The Handles

        3 years ago

        Braves upgraded their bullpen, and they have a dozen young players that should improve this season (some young veterans).

        Am very happy for Twins fans that stayed loyal for years waiting on a rebuild that fizzled. Especially happy for Dick Bremer and Bert Blyleven.

        Reply
      • traveling man

        3 years ago

        What a refreshing comment to read!

        I’m a Mets fan.

        I wish more people were like you.

        Reply
      • acmeants

        3 years ago

        Reply
    • twinsfan368

      3 years ago

      BRINGER OF PURPLE RAIN BABY

      Reply
      • Braves Fan 138

        3 years ago

        4/92

        Reply
      • yogineely

        3 years ago

        Love that comment

        Reply
        • dynamite drop in monty

          3 years ago

          I liked it the first time I saw it two months ago

        • SanDiegoTom

          3 years ago

          Lol I was the one who posted it

        • twinsfan368

          3 years ago

          My bad dude I needed to say it

        • jorge78

          3 years ago

          Share the
          wealth
          dude…..

        • SanDiegoTom

          3 years ago

          Not mad, it’s catchy! Nice pick up for the twins!

      • SocraticGadfly

        3 years ago

        Bringer of finishing ahead of the Astros, I think is what Josh Donaldson now is.

        Reply
      • traveling man

        3 years ago

        OH WOW!

        Are you God?

        Reply
      • jorge78

        3 years ago

        Right on twinsfan368!

        Reply
      • MrAngelFan

        3 years ago

        Twins should be fun to watch this year.. 30+ HR potential all over the field.

        Reply
    • braveshomer

      3 years ago

      cheap a** Braves…couldn’t match 4/$92 seriously?! …that stupid 3 year max deal they apparently set is ridiculous

      Reply
      • phenomenalajs

        3 years ago

        It’s basically 5/100. He’s betting on himself to make it through the be option year. He could go over if he’s still playing at a high level at 38-39, Twins buy him out and he gets a $10M deal somewhere else, but that’s not likely. He’d probably stay if that were the case.

        Reply
        • cheesesteak

          3 years ago

          I think the last 8 million was compensation/ deferment for going to a cold weather team.

        • jmatt926

          3 years ago

          Have you ever been to Minneapolis between May 1st and the end of September? It is legitimately the best weather in the country during the majority of the baseball season. It’s the other 7 months that suck but that doesn’t really impact the baseball players except for a few home games in October and April isn’t fun

      • SalaryCapMyth

        3 years ago

        I feel you on this, Braveshomer. If the Braves had been outbid on a contract that was equivalently insane like Strasburgs was..like 5/150 or something..then I would be more understanding but the Braves needed Donaldson more than the Twins did so I feel like they should have beaten that offer. I mean adding a 5th year that is a team option shouldnt have been to difficult.

        Reply
        • micg

          3 years ago

          What is crazy is the Braves thought he was worth $23 million for one year coming off of two injury shortened seasons, but after a great season in ATL they let him walk for $21 million a year with an option year!

        • RunDMC

          3 years ago

          You’re leaving out the years though. They don’t mind that AAV if it is only 1 year, but you’re committed to him for 4 questionable years. I don’t blame the hesitancy.

        • Good Guys

          3 years ago

          That is crazy! Maybe the Braves know something the Twins don’t.

        • holycowdude

          3 years ago

          Like the fact that he’ll be making $21mil a year as an almost 40 year old? Braves dodged a bullet, imo. Make a move for Bryant, or let Riley finish developing on the MLB roster – both better options than paying Donaldson until his 40.

        • Yankeedynasty

          3 years ago

          Agree

      • Appalachian_Outlaw

        3 years ago

        I agree. Wth is the point of signing pen pieces when you’ll never score any runs? I don’t blame JD, or the Twins. I blame the lackluster management in Atlanta, the ownership, and this pathetic “financial flexibility” crutch they hold so dearly.

        Maybe I need more financial flexibility, so I’ll skip out on Braves merch and the tv package this year.

        Reply
      • christianponder

        3 years ago

        The Pirates largest contract ever was back in 2000 when they gave Jason Kendall a 6 year $60 mil extension. Be a little more grateful lol

        Reply
        • i hate my father

          3 years ago

          Lol! Ouch

        • Jaysthoughts

          3 years ago

          Ugh. Being a pirates fan right#??!! 37 years old. Grew up with bonds bonilla drabek and the crew. Such a fun time that i always appreciate. I believe in Cherrington and his new staff though. If within 5 years nothing happens then the world will know its time for Nutting to go. Last chance

      • RLD

        3 years ago

        Maybe the Braves have something else in mind, like Nolan or Bryant.? Kinda hope not though.

        Reply
      • elmore80

        3 years ago

        AA all the way. great move! Now get an outfielder and move on. I love it.

        Reply
      • USNMariner

        3 years ago

        …but they did sign Felix Hernandez to a Minor League deal with invite to Spring Training…
        !!!

        Reply
    • mistry gm

      3 years ago

      Now the Cubs should trade Bryant to the Rockies for Arenado and really screw everyone. Lol.

      Reply
    • number one sun

      3 years ago

      Josh Donaldson is 34….. why would the Phillies sign him?

      Reply
    • number one sun

      3 years ago

      I’m a Phillies fan…what pressure?.

      Reply
  2. acarneglia

    3 years ago

    Probably something like 4/80

    Reply
    • kiddhoff

      3 years ago

      4/$95

      Reply
    • jonnyzuck

      3 years ago

      4/110 is my guess

      Reply
      • twolvesaremynightmare

        3 years ago

        It’s not 110 I know that!!! But it’s still a big number

        Reply
    • amcferron85

      3 years ago

      4 years $92m is my guess.

      Reply
      • twinsfan368

        3 years ago

        Welp I guess ur right

        Reply
      • padresfan619

        3 years ago

        nice guess

        Reply
        • dynamite drop in monty

          3 years ago

          Rosenthal announced the number an hour ago, this guy didn’t “guess” anything

        • jorge78

          3 years ago

          Ouch!

        • RLD

          3 years ago

          It was announced last night.

    • ronnsnow

      3 years ago

      I’ll say 4/90 with an option for a 5th year pushing it to 100.

      Reply
      • jorge78

        3 years ago

        Cheater! See dynamites
        comment…..

        Reply
  3. Stand Back

    3 years ago

    Finally.

    Reply
    • tomsack

      3 years ago

      more like 4/100

      Reply
  4. Phantomofdb

    3 years ago

    Color me shocked. Never thought they’d pony up

    Reply
  5. amcferron85

    3 years ago

    Nice signing by the Twins! They just need to trade for a good pitcher now.

    Reply
    • SalaryCapMyth

      3 years ago

      What pitcher do you have in mind because unless you are thinking someone like Robbie Ray or Matthew Boyed, I can’t think of any TORS that are available.

      Reply
      • twinsfan368

        3 years ago

        Jonny gray baby trade Eddie and we’re good

        Reply
        • wonzibells

          3 years ago

          Him and Syndergaard have the true ace potential and pedigree…. Boyd isn’t really a sleeper anymore, Detroit knows everyone wants him, so the Twins will have to pony up.

          For 2021, they should have their eyes on James Paxton. He lives in Eau Claire in the offseason where his wife is from, which is not too far from the cities, so that might be help the Twins get a top 25ish pitcher.

      • amcferron85

        3 years ago

        I didn’t have anyone in particular in mind. They need to add one more starter.

        Reply
      • snotrocket

        3 years ago

        Boyd is nowhere near a TOR starter.

        Reply
        • Saint Chris

          3 years ago

          Boyd was a TOR starter for half the year last year. The 2nd half, well, it looked a lot like the clock struck midnight and Cinderella went back to being a chamber maid.

        • SalaryCapMyth

          3 years ago

          @ snotrocket. I didnt say Boyed is a TOR.

  6. antibelt

    3 years ago

    Donaldson had to swallow his pride when everyone else moved on.

    Reply
    • VonPurpleHayes

      3 years ago

      Gossip. No one knows what he and his family wanted.

      Reply
      • mr. g

        3 years ago

        Last I heard they wanted 4/110.

        Reply
        • nymetsking

          3 years ago

          and to stay in Atlanta

    • rjcollings1973

      3 years ago

      Lol you have no clue!!

      Reply
    • Ejemp2006

      3 years ago

      Swallow for that money? Sign me up!

      Reply
  7. Bluemarlin528

    3 years ago

    Nice signing for the twins.

    Reply
  8. wesstl

    3 years ago

    Thought the report was he didn’t want to play for them. Money changed his mind I bet.

    Reply
    • Phantomofdb

      3 years ago

      Again, Minnesota has said that about every major free agent for two years, it was always BS, it Was just about money

      Reply
      • twinsfan368

        3 years ago

        Nope I think I good reason that he wants to play for us is because that he gets to face easier pitching in the AL central rather than the NL east

        Reply
        • nick effing punto

          3 years ago

          Worst division in AL > best division in NL

        • phenomenalajs

          3 years ago

          Well, a team in the best division in the NL beat the best team in the AL in the WS. I just hope it’s a different team from the best division in the NL this year. LFGM!

        • Prospectnvstr

          3 years ago

          Nick: You do realize that the team that WON the WORLD SERIES is in the division that you’re TRYING to talk smack about? That very same team DIDN’T even WIN the DIVISION.

        • TwinCities

          3 years ago

          I doubt it bud. He probably wants to play for us because we gave him the most money and he has a good chance of playing in October. Also, I imagine that a player like Donaldson would prefer to face the best pitchers in the game.

        • Jaysthoughts

          3 years ago

          AND that team in the AL was dramatically cheating!!! They will be stripped of their titles (just as the patriots will) as more info comes out

      • Good Guys

        3 years ago

        It’s almost always about the money.

        Reply
      • Sky14

        3 years ago

        No, you just want to cry cheap so you call it BS. This signing obviously shows they’re willing to spend.

        Reply
    • twolvesaremynightmare

      3 years ago

      It’s always about money but it’s rarely only about money… He’s had almost daily conversations with Rocco n the clicked right away.

      Reply
  9. hrbekrules

    3 years ago

    Call me surprised!

    Reply
  10. jneumann

    3 years ago

    Bomb

    Reply
  11. fmj

    3 years ago

    Wow. never really considered them serious contenders.

    Reply
  12. franx

    3 years ago

    4/100 calling it now

    Reply
    • twolvesaremynightmare

      3 years ago

      Ur pretty close

      Reply
  13. c ya

    3 years ago

    great signing!!

    Reply
  14. SalaryCapMyth

    3 years ago

    Damn it. I was hoping the Braves would have brought him back but I’m reserving judgement until I see the contract details. Still, I’m glad its over.

    Reply
    • rjcollings1973

      3 years ago

      Braves never made a formal offer

      Reply
      • PinstripedPride

        3 years ago

        Wow, really? I bet their fans are ecstatic

        Reply
        • dray16

          3 years ago

          they’ll get Kris Bryant, their fans will be just fine

        • Appalachian_Outlaw

          3 years ago

          No, we won’t. Could’ve had our own FA for $$$, but now they’ll pay the freight in cash AND prospects. Of all the idiotic, cheap…

      • SalaryCapMyth

        3 years ago

        @rjcollings. What gives you that impression? Even the most pessimistic reports didnt go that far. Why should anyone believe you as opposed to the sports pundits and analysts?

        Reply
      • TwinCities

        3 years ago

        How do you know that?

        Reply
    • CrispyCreme

      3 years ago

      Ken Rosenthal reported 4/92 with an 8 mil 5th year option

      Reply
  15. 24TheKid

    3 years ago

    Kyle Seager to Atlanta going to happen.

    Reply
    • wesstl

      3 years ago

      No it won’t.

      Reply
    • ronnsnow

      3 years ago

      No one in their right mind would give Kyle Seager a chance before Austin Riley.

      Reply
      • SalaryCapMyth

        3 years ago

        There is one way Seager could be acquired by Atlanta and thatbis if they include Haniger in the deal. I don’t think it will happen but that just might work.

        Reply
  16. Les Chesterfield

    3 years ago

    Go suck a lemon Atlanta.

    Reply
    • amk3510

      3 years ago

      But but they got Travis D’arnaud and Nick Markakis

      Reply
    • Bill Brasky

      3 years ago

      As a Braves fan, the only reason I was ok with paying him 100MM was to keep him from going to Washington. He went to the AL so no skin off my back.

      Reply
      • hotchkiss

        3 years ago

        As a Nats fan, I’m thrilled with this most unexpected outcome. Big loss for the Braves.

        Reply
    • Stand Back

      3 years ago

      Funny thing is they could stand pat and still have as good of a chance to win the division again.

      Reply
    • Good Guys

      3 years ago

      Classy!

      Reply
  17. ron swanson

    3 years ago

    Bringer of Rain to The Land of 10,000 Lakes. Wow.

    Reply
  18. sportsfan616

    3 years ago

    Wow! Four years with his injury history is crazy.

    Reply
    • Just_a_thought

      3 years ago

      Yes, he has a laundry list for an injury history, it’s reads:

      -One load of laundry

      Reply
      • burnt_reynolds

        3 years ago

        I seriously cant recall another position player whose public perception of fragility was based entirely on ONE injury (which hes already come back from, no less). Whassup with that?

        Reply
        • gojira15

          3 years ago

          His injury history isn’t too concerning, though wasn’t it his hip? I’m more surprised at the years he got considering his age. Good for him.

        • dynamite drop in monty

          3 years ago

          You’d think a guy w hip issues would avoid anything to do with rain

    • twolvesaremynightmare

      3 years ago

      Injury history huh? He was hurt once in 2018 n has 30+ bombas every year since he was in Oakland

      Reply
    • Koamalu

      3 years ago

      Not for a team that can move him to DH in a year.

      Reply
      • south.city.hustle

        3 years ago

        Excellent point. When I graded this signing I didnt even think of his availability as a DH whenever they need / want. Should’ve graded it an A instead of a B……

        Reply
  19. VonPurpleHayes

    3 years ago

    Yes. As a Phillies fan, this was really the best possible outcome. Of course now I think Bryant will be in a Braves uniform at some point.

    Reply
    • Stand Back

      3 years ago

      For that asking price I sure hope not.

      Reply
      • Gocubsgo1986

        3 years ago

        Losing Pache and Wright won’t kill you

        Reply
        • Stand Back

          3 years ago

          They’re not giving up Pache, or anyone near the package you think they’d get. Cubs fans (You in particular) really define ‘delusional’ on these boards.

        • Stealing Signs

          3 years ago

          LOL AA’s a moron. He’s learned nothing. Sit back & watch as that farm gets decimated.

        • Stand Back

          3 years ago

          You’re a dumba#$.. Been hearing that since 2017. NEXT!

        • trollie fingers

          3 years ago

          I would rather see them give Riley, Camargo, Greene, and literally anybody from the farm not named Pache/Anderson for Chapman before getting into some crazy overpay bidding war for 1-2 years of Bryant

        • trollie fingers

          3 years ago

          **to the A’s for chapman

        • AndyMeyer

          3 years ago

          Oakland hangs up the phone in seconds

        • trollie fingers

          3 years ago

          Anybody from the farm meaning multiple players. Could see the three I just named plus Contreras, Wright, and/or Waters? Point is, I’d rather give a haul like that for someone like Chapman rather than a similar package to outbid a division rival for a couple years of Bryant.

      • Koamalu

        3 years ago

        Going to take 2 top 100 prospects plus a couple more lower level guys to get Bryant in trade. Are the Braves committed to winning now or just to hanging on to prospects that have no place on their team this year?

        Reply
        • Javia

          3 years ago

          No team is going to pay that. Therefore he will not be traded.
          Prices have dropped. That is why there are a ton of stars available this year and nobody is buying.

    • RunDMC

      3 years ago

      It is best possible outcome for ATL, too. It means we are still being wise about spending and aren’t unloading for Donaldson, while rumors have Bryant and Arenado’s availability abound. And we get an additional pick from MIN. Glad they were able to secure him, but seriously, get some pitching.

      Reply
      • meatloaf213

        3 years ago

        Atlanta doesn’t get the pick from Minnesota but will get a pick because they signed him

        Reply
      • Appalachian_Outlaw

        3 years ago

        You misspelled “worst,” I’m afraid. It’s not B-e-s-t. Also cheap isn’t spelled w-i-s-e.

        Reply
        • RunDMC

          3 years ago

          No chance at risky/bad contracts for ATL. Let MIN take that on, Love all these fans so willing to take on risky deals when it’s not their neck in the guillotine. Respect the process.

          They have only $50M on the books next year/$36M in 2022 with an annual budget of at least $145M (maybe more) — there’s a lot of room in still opportunities for improvement. Frankie says RELAX.

  20. birdsfan415

    3 years ago

    nice

    Reply
  21. thunderlips

    3 years ago

    Oh s***! Braves better go get KB

    Reply
    • Desertbull

      3 years ago

      The Nats are already on it.

      The Braves get Kung Foo Panda

      Haha

      Reply
      • Appalachian_Outlaw

        3 years ago

        Panda is probably out of our price range.

        Reply
    • CubsFan73

      3 years ago

      Lets make a deal

      Reply
  22. Bjoe

    3 years ago

    Wow. Didn’t see that coming.

    Reply
  23. nick effing punto

    3 years ago

    I needed a break from all that cheating nonsense. Suck it cheaters…Twins do things the right way.

    Reply
    • jonnyzuck

      3 years ago

      yes it’s good to finally get positive baseball news but unfortunately I think the other stuff will overshadow this signing

      Reply
    • i like al conin

      3 years ago

      Haha Nelson Cruz has a PED suspension on his record. Cheaters are in many places.

      Reply
      • Mo4ever

        3 years ago

        @I like al conin

        Nelson Cruz is one player who cheated. The Astros are an entire organization that cheated. Big difference.

        Reply
        • dynamite drop in monty

          3 years ago

          Lol can’t wait for the NYY bombshell to be released. See how quickly you change your tune

        • PinstripedPride

          3 years ago

          Keep waiting, because it ain’t happening. There’s been no investigation of the Yankees since the phone incident in 2017

    • mcdusty49

      3 years ago

      Yes now that they play outside and can’t turn the vents off when the other team is batting

      Reply
    • macstruts

      3 years ago

      Nick, Cruz, Polanco, Pineada… all signed after cheating.

      Yeah, the Twins do things the right way, just like the Astros and the Red Sox.

      Reply
    • Stealing Signs

      3 years ago

      You mean by lying when they say players don’t like Minnesota or when they say that other GMs didn’t give hem a chance to match a trade offer?

      Reply
  24. Yankees1000%

    3 years ago

    No way how about Nelson Cruz old but still can hit one and he’s will play 3 base how about sano?

    Reply
    • vtadave

      3 years ago

      Sano to 1B

      Reply
      • Yankees1000%

        3 years ago

        Sano playing 1 base I know about that’s

        Reply
        • Yankees1000%

          3 years ago

          I don’t know about that’s sorry

        • twolvesaremynightmare

          3 years ago

          Way better infield with him at 1st n anyone else at 3rd… He’ll be average or maybe even alittle better then average.

  25. rxbrgr

    3 years ago

    4y/$40mm?

    Reply
    • Priggs89

      3 years ago

      Don’t quit your day job

      Reply
  26. Aoe3

    3 years ago

    Good for the twins this is what they needed to keep them in the conversation. Hope JD can stay healthy.

    Reply
  27. crumpy24

    3 years ago

    Thank you Twins!!!- Phillies and Mets fans.

    Reply
    • VonPurpleHayes

      3 years ago

      Haha. Cosigned.

      Reply
    • RunDMC

      3 years ago

      Ditto – Bravea fan. Leaving that stupid money in Philly.

      Reply
      • VonPurpleHayes

        3 years ago

        Hey! …ummm…no comment because you’re right…

        Reply
    • nymetsking

      3 years ago

      yeppers

      Reply
  28. luclusciano

    3 years ago

    Had to have done good news with all this crap going on.

    Reply
  29. justalittleoutside

    3 years ago

    Solves two things. Braves fans like myself wondering what’s the hold up on Josh and twins fans asking about why nobody wants to sign with them. Trade market for Braves and host negotiations won by the Twins.

    Reply
  30. dynamite drop in monty

    3 years ago

    The bringer of chicken pot pies

    Reply
    • Mo4ever

      3 years ago

      Swanson or Banquet? Haven’t had either in decades but I remember I liked them back then

      Reply
      • nymetsking

        3 years ago

        Marie Callenders’ corn chowder pot pie is the shizzle.

        Reply
        • jleve618

          3 years ago

          Costco makes their own pot pie, it’s amazing.

  31. rivera42

    3 years ago

    So, about Donaldson not wanting to play in Minny …

    Reply
  32. Rumncoke

    3 years ago

    Good riddons. He didn’t really want Atl. Eff him

    Reply
    • dynamite drop in monty

      3 years ago

      The jilted lover response. Fascinating

      Reply
    • bhambrave

      3 years ago

      riddance

      Reply
    • pplama

      3 years ago

      Can someone tell me what riddons are? I hear they’re good!

      Reply
      • SumTingWong

        3 years ago

        riddons go best with waffle fries

        Reply
    • Appalachian_Outlaw

      3 years ago

      Not his fault. Blame our terrible ownership and GM. Pinching them pennies so tight, Lincoln is crying.

      Reply
  33. LAblujay

    3 years ago

    Unexpected! I thought for sure the twins were out. 4 years/100?

    Reply
  34. dylla

    3 years ago

    LFG !!!

    Reply
  35. CrispyCreme

    3 years ago

    Gg Twins, probably 4/85

    Reply
  36. madmanTX

    3 years ago

    5yrs/all you can eat hot dogs

    Reply
    • skyyalpha

      3 years ago

      If your team needs a 3B, I’m your man

      Reply
  37. dray16

    3 years ago

    sweet, now it’s finally time to move bryant

    Reply
    • rivera42

      3 years ago

      Not until that grievance is settled. Would have to think that the acquiring team wants to know if he’ll be under control for 1 or 2 years. Kind of an important point. I think Bryant will lose, by the way.

      Reply
      • dray16

        3 years ago

        agreed on both accounts. maybe they’ll figure it out after they’re done with all these suspensions

        Reply
        • dugdog83

          3 years ago

          Yah they need to get that going and over with.

  38. jkurk_22

    3 years ago

    R.I.P.

    Reply
  39. DarkSide830

    3 years ago

    didnt expect that. your move, Liberty

    Reply
  40. Danbino

    3 years ago

    The top of the AL Central has been active as all get out this off-season.

    Reply
  41. schwing

    3 years ago

    Holy *#$&!!!! The Pohlads actually outbid someone! Super stoked!

    Reply
  42. MrReit03

    3 years ago

    The Bringer of Purple Rain.
    -disclaimer- I cannot claim ownership of coming up with this nickname

    Reply
    • dugdog83

      3 years ago

      Good…. it’s pretty weak.

      Reply
  43. Desertbull

    3 years ago

    Bryant to the Nats in 3…2….1

    Reply
    • bc85

      3 years ago

      1. They have nothing to trade
      2. They signed multiple infield options

      Reply
      • bryzzo_2016

        3 years ago

        Exactly. KB will be in a Braves uni next year.

        Reply
      • spinach

        3 years ago

        @bc85 This narrative about the multiple infield options is the most nonsensical thing I have ever heard. They had the same or equivalent 3B options last year when they had Rendon, why would they go from having all those options plus an All-Star 3B to feeling they have no use for an All-Star 3B in addition to those options?

        Reply
      • Koamalu

        3 years ago

        They have plenty to trade including the multiple infield options. Earlier we heard that the Cubs wanted Robles as the headliner for Bryant.

        Reply
        • SoCalBrave

          3 years ago

          yes, the Cubs asked for Robles and the Nats laughed their asses off as they hung up the phone.

      • nymetsking

        3 years ago

        They have plenty to trade, just nothing that they want to give up, apparently.

        Reply
  44. fried-man

    3 years ago

    Nice signing by MN! I’m shocked… really thought the Braves were gonna pony up for him. Just extremely happy he’s not in the NL East this year. Gives me a tiny bit more hope for my Mets. Lol #lfgm

    Reply
    • Reflect

      3 years ago

      How can you call it a nice signing without knowing the dollar amount? What if it’s 4 years and 8 gazillion dollars?

      Reply
      • spinach

        3 years ago

        Deferrals?

        Reply
  45. triber4life

    3 years ago

    4-91 is my guess but I suck at contract guesses, so

    Reply
  46. lonestardodger

    3 years ago

    4/$88 is my guess

    Reply
  47. Dbird777

    3 years ago

    The Astros probably wished this story broke yesterday lol

    Reply
  48. Tipsy McStagger

    3 years ago

    Whoomp, There it is! Whoomp, There it is! What a get! Way to go Twins — finally joining the big boy table.

    Reply
  49. HalosHeavenJJ

    3 years ago

    Wow. That offense is going to be brutal to face.

    Reply
  50. Les Chesterfield

    3 years ago

    twins front office has no vision and they are completely incompetent. Yanks and Indians got to be thrilled with these pretenders and their complete lack of direction.

    You have an enormous need with funds and prospects at your expense and you blow your wad on a 2nd 3rd basemen. What a bunch of fools.

    Happy for the fans though. I’d be celebrating too

    Reply
    • CrispyCreme

      3 years ago

      They will almost certainly move sano to first which is where he probably fields better anyhow

      Reply
    • heater

      3 years ago

      They have plenty of money to spend still. And talent to make a trade.

      Reply
    • twolvesaremynightmare

      3 years ago

      They know exactly what they are doing in Minnesota. They didn’t wanna overpay for those starters that were all average at best. Josh Donaldson is a legit star n he makes their infield defense so much better with Sano moving to 1st base where he has plenty of experience. Now they will see what they have for pitching n monitor who becomes available n with all the prospects they have they can basically go after anyone they want.

      Reply
  51. Reflect

    3 years ago

    Whoa. This has been a busy week in baseball.

    Reply
    • yogineely

      3 years ago

      It’s only Tuesday too!! Love it

      Reply
  52. John Smith

    3 years ago

    He went for the most money. None of this “Minnesota was my first choice” or “ I always loved playing in Minnesota “ comments.

    Reply
    • heater

      3 years ago

      If you read much you can find recent reports of Donaldson stating he liked the idea of facing AL Central pitching.

      Reply
  53. iml12

    3 years ago

    Twins are going to score a crap load of runs.

    Reply
    • PinstripedPride

      3 years ago

      And lose in the playoffs

      Reply
      • CrispyCreme

        3 years ago

        After eliminating the yankees. Everyone can play the hypothetical game

        Reply
        • PinstripedPride

          3 years ago

          Well seeing as how the Yankees have been beating the Twins soundly in both regular season and playoff games for the entirety of their existence (12 of 14 postseason games played have been won by New York), I see no reason that this shouldn’t continue.
          The Twins are a good team, there is no denying that. Adding Donaldson makes the Bomba Squad even more home run ready, and the overall lineup deeper. But the pitching staff is still fairly crappy for a division contender and the Yankees just have their number every time

    • hockeyjohn

      3 years ago

      And the Twins pitching will give up a lot of runs.

      Reply
      • Baldkid

        3 years ago

        I’m expecting a lot of 14-12 games that last 5 hours….

        Reply
        • Koamalu

          3 years ago

          With the Twins winning 100 of them.

        • PinstripedPride

          3 years ago

          As long as Aaron Hicks ends them you can have all the 14-12 games you want

  54. Bravesontop

    3 years ago

    Bet the braves don’t make another move the rest of the offseason

    Reply
    • #BFFL

      3 years ago

      Bet your wrong but guess we’ll see.

      Reply
    • nymetsking

      3 years ago

      I bet you’ll make another post about this.

      Reply
  55. Bravesontop

    3 years ago

    Bet the braves don’t make another move the rest of the offseason

    Reply
    • #BFFL

      3 years ago

      Bet your wrong but guess we’ll see.

      Reply
  56. mack423

    3 years ago

    Love it. Go Twins, and I’m not even a Twins fan.

    Reply
  57. Stand Back

    3 years ago

    4/92

    Reply
  58. bravesfan

    3 years ago

    Wtf

    Reply
  59. PinstripedPride

    3 years ago

    Crap, do not look forward to facing him in that lineup. Twins doubling down on their strength. We still dominate Minnesota, so pencil in another trip to the couch for the Twins

    Reply
    • twolvesaremynightmare

      3 years ago

      The past doesn’t dictate the future so we Have to see if they go after a top tier starter cause with all their prospects they could out bid anyone if they want to. The question is will they really go all in.

      Reply
  60. jorge78

    3 years ago

    Mystery team!

    Reply
  61. ramonskee

    3 years ago

    This guy will do great filling their biggest need – SP.

    Can’t wait to see the Twins hit 350 HRs next year while losing games 12-8.

    GO SOX!

    Reply
    • spinach

      3 years ago

      With a much-improved defense and a non-juiced ball I am pretty sure teams will not be averaging 12 runs on them, or whatever actual high number you have 12 standing in for.

      Reply
      • ramonskee

        3 years ago

        Donaldson was ranked 13th in Defensive WAR (4.5) at 3B last year. Didn’t qualify in 2017 (1.2) and 2018 (0.4) due to time missed but was worse in those seasons (I’ll give him the benefit of the injury). Was 12th in 2016 (2.7).

        No idea what you people clamoring about his defense are talking about. Same people probably thought Derek Jeter was the best defensive shortstop of his generation even though he barely covered any ground.

        Reply
  62. Mikel Grady

    3 years ago

    Braves and Dodgers come on down and play let’s make a deal . Theo is waiting along with Kris Bryant

    Reply
    • 54scooterb

      3 years ago

      Arrenado moved before Bryant decision?

      Reply
      • #BFFL

        3 years ago

        I could be wrong but I dont see Arrenado being traded period,kinda see him as a Freeman kind of cornerstone.

        Reply
      • yogineely

        3 years ago

        Depends on the grievance

        Reply
  63. stretch123

    3 years ago

    4 years 92 million. Very nice add for the Twins.

    Reply
    • rjcollings1973

      3 years ago

      With 5th year option

      Reply
  64. bryzzo_2016

    3 years ago

    Finally signed! Good get for Minny, that’s gonna be a sick lineup. Easy favorites in the weak AL Central.

    Reply
  65. willclarkgriswold

    3 years ago

    Arenado to Braves…

    Reply
    • realgone2

      3 years ago

      I hope to Cthullu not

      Reply
    • Stand Back

      3 years ago

      Considering they didn’t beat 4/92 I highly doubt they’d take on Arenado. Braves fans (myself included) need to get used to having a Riley/Camargo platoon.

      Reply
      • Appalachian_Outlaw

        3 years ago

        You’re not wrong, and it’s honestly depressing.

        Reply
    • rjcollings1973

      3 years ago

      No way lol

      Reply
    • Koamalu

      3 years ago

      The rumors with the Cardinals was Dakota Hudson, Liberatore, O’Neill, and Reyes were on the table for Arenado and the Rockies asked for more. Who are the Braves going to offer to beat that offer?

      Reply
      • steelerbravenation

        3 years ago

        Pache, Wright & Wilson beats the package
        Not that I want it to happen but it does

        Reply
  66. rivera42

    3 years ago

    Minny’s offense will be crazy next year. Their pitching? Meh.

    Reply
    • spinach

      3 years ago

      Their pitching will be better since the defense will be better. And their bottom line pitching results will be better due to non-juiced ball, though not relatively so.

      Reply
  67. PinstripedPride

    3 years ago

    Only good thing that might come from this is that White Sox fans might shut up about their short-lived dream of ruling the AL due to this offseason

    Reply
    • Whifff

      3 years ago

      Because Yankee fans never boast, right Pin? Bbaaaa-haaaa-haaaa! GMAFB.

      Reply
      • bryzzo_2016

        3 years ago

        Ok, but Yankee fans have something to boast about. The White Sox aren’t even relevant in their own city. Their inept and clueless front office claimed to be “all in” just a few years back when they traded Tatis Jr for James F’n Sheilds THEN proceeded to lose more games than teams ACTIVELY tanking. Now we’re supposed to believe this same front office can pull off a successful rebuild? Hahaha, NO.

        Reply
        • Finlander

          3 years ago

          Eloy and Cease for Quintana looks pretty good.

        • Good Guys

          3 years ago

          Poor disgruntled Cubs fans have nothing to root other than the demise of other teams.

      • PinstripedPride

        3 years ago

        LOL Yankees always live rent free in haters’ heads. Yes we do boast, and like bryzzo said, we have a lot to boast of. A quick google search of the World Series wins, pennants, division titles, MVPs and such by Yankees as opposed to White Sox gives all the reasons needed to brag

        Reply
    • Strike Four

      3 years ago

      lol, true.

      Twins about to be a real PROBLEM in the AL.

      Twins, Yankees and A’s have sewn up 3 of the spots this offseason. Astros probably get another one but their situation is too weird (plus their nails pen has been decimated this offseason). Rays also probably going places.

      White Sox still winning 85 games at most, probably 82 games in reality.

      Reply
      • bryzzo_2016

        3 years ago

        Maybe 82, but only because the AL Central is by far the weakest division in baseball. You can pile up some Ws playing the Tigers and Royals for ¼ of your schedule, but the Indians and Twins will also benefit from that.

        Reply
        • Finlander

          3 years ago

          AL East is just as weak, beating up on Baltimore and Toronto. I see little difference between East and Central.

          Check MN home-road splits and divisional W-L records from last year. Team looks legit.

      • hockeyjohn

        3 years ago

        Who is pitching for the Twins? The Twins have not sewn up the AL Central.

        Reply
        • Baldkid

          3 years ago

          Well when the Twins win a bunch of games 18-12, it won’t matter

    • ChiSox_Fan

      3 years ago

      Never!

      We have the pitching, too!!

      Reply
  68. raulito23

    3 years ago

    Bueno, es un gran jugador pero no es lo que necesitaban.

    Tienen bateo de sobra,para que gastar unos 25 millones

    tal vez mas, por bateo en lugar de firmar un buen lanzador que

    necesitan con urgencia.

    No entiendo a algunos gerentes generales.

    Reply
    • nymetsking

      3 years ago

      I can’t disagree

      Reply
    • Koamalu

      3 years ago

      No impact pitchers are available now so they signed an impact player at another position. They can still go after another pitcher in trade and they have plenty of prospects to make that happen.

      Reply
    • ChiSox_Fan

      3 years ago

      Si! Es la verdad!

      Reply
  69. Wrek305

    3 years ago

    This makes no sense but in year 3 he’ll be a DH and Sano will be at 3rd

    Reply
    • Gus Leggett

      3 years ago

      Actually, by year 3, Donaldson might move to 1B and Sani will be the DH.

      Reply
    • Strike Four

      3 years ago

      Yeah, like Chipper Jones and Adrian Beltre never existed. Nice work, genius.

      Donaldson going to be throwing up 5+ WAR a year every year of this deal, he will also be the everyday 3B every year, like Adrian Beltre – book it.

      Reply
      • southi

        3 years ago

        Chipper Jones and Adrian Beltre were exceptions. To expect the same excellent performance from Donaldson as he ages is very possibly going to end in disappointment.

        Reply
  70. Bravesontop

    3 years ago

    Donaldson truly just didn’t like the new name of the braves stadium so he bailed

    Reply
  71. phamdownbytheriver

    3 years ago

    He’ll get hurt a lot again, probably his calf muscle again and the teams that lost out will all say in unison….”WHEW!!’. Dodged a bullet.

    Reply
    • Strike Four

      3 years ago

      Josh Donaldson/ gets hurt for a season, most likely from playing artificial turf in Toronto, signs in not-Toronto

      Imbecile fans who ignore every aspect of history and the uniqueness of every players body/ “He’ll get hurt a lot again, probably his calf muscle again”

      Reply
      • AssumesFactNotInEvidence

        3 years ago

        @Strike Four – Winner! Pompous Dbag Post for this thread. Congrats!

        Reply
  72. Gus Leggett

    3 years ago

    Finally, this debacle of an off-season has a glimmer of light. Should be a pretty dangerous lineup running Polanco, Kepler, Cruz, Rosario, Donaldson, Arraez, Sano, Garver and Buxton out on a regular basis. Now, they just need to deal a few prospects for an top of the rotation starter and it can be considered an ok off-season. As it stands, Twins will have to win a lot of 10-9 games.

    Reply
  73. icegoalie35

    3 years ago

    I was in Minneapolis about 20 years ago, and I loved that city. I can see why guys would want to play there.

    Reply
    • bryzzo_2016

      3 years ago

      Agreed, it is a cool city. Donaldson will like it there. I also really liked Atlanta too though.

      Reply
  74. JDGoat

    3 years ago

    Hate to say it but that’s gonna be a crippling contract in at least year three, possibly even two.

    Reply
    • JDGoat

      3 years ago

      I do respect them for going for it though again this year. Can’t just give the division away in the offseason like the Indians did two years ago.

      Reply
    • Koamalu

      3 years ago

      Why? Its $21 million per season and they have no money on the books after this season. Plus he can move to DH when Nellie is gone if his play at 3B declines.

      Reply
  75. BobbyVwannabe

    3 years ago

    Good for the Twins. Glad to see him and Rendon out of the NL East

    Reply
  76. dewssox79

    3 years ago

    age and miles on turf probably make him a DH or very injury prome

    Reply
    • Dorothy_Mantooth

      3 years ago

      Minnesota plays outside now on natural grass (beautiful ballpark BTW).

      Reply
  77. Cubs GM

    3 years ago

    The Twins will regret this signing. Lucky to get 1 or 2 healthy seasons from him. Just my opinion that he won’t age well. The best non signing the Nats, Braves, Dodgers and Rangers ever made.

    Reply
    • Finlander

      3 years ago

      Signed, Mark Prior

      Reply
  78. 8ManLineupNoPitcherNoDH

    3 years ago

    Fine with this as a Braves fan

    Reply
  79. joedirte4life

    3 years ago

    Braves need to go after Arenado

    Reply
    • kiddhoff

      3 years ago

      Braves will trade for Bryant

      Reply
      • seamaholic

        3 years ago

        Either way, costs just as many prospects.. Bryant cheaper, Arenado better.

        Reply
        • bigbadjohnny

          3 years ago

          Arenado has a NO Trade clause…….and he wants to be in L.A.

    • Appalachian_Outlaw

      3 years ago

      They wouldn’t pony up even half of the value of Arenado’s deal to re-ink JD. Not happening. Camargo is the starting 3B, unfortunately.

      Reply
  80. twolvesaremynightmare

    3 years ago

    Hahaha so many media people tried to jump the gun n say the twins were out on him even though had no sources n were literally just guessing. No good player will ever sign with Minnesota- it’s to cold or their to cheap. Well now both are false. N literally the only people that don’t like Minnesota either have never been there or they are lying n really actually like it.

    Reply
  81. AlphaGammaZX

    3 years ago

    Such a disappointment. I was hoping he would’ve stayed a Brave. If he would’ve been a true Braves fan, he would’ve signed whatever decent contract they offered. I would’ve. I always did when I played MLB The Show but if any other team tried to sign my character, I always ask too much because I didn’t want to sign with them.

    Reply
    • The Oregonian

      3 years ago

      Loyalty to your team playing MLB The Show is a little bit different than if one team offers you >$10 million more than another.

      Reply
      • AlphaGammaZX

        3 years ago

        I understand that but still. I wouldn’t do it

        Reply
  82. dsteig

    3 years ago

    Good signing Twins. Can’t wait to watch him

    Reply
  83. someoldguy

    3 years ago

    WOOOOOOOO WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO about dam time.. I was wanting him last year.. a clear upgrade offensively and defensively.. Now Trade for an ACE…

    Reply
  84. steelerbravenation

    3 years ago

    get San Fran to eat some of Longoria’s contract

    Reply
  85. DTD_ATL

    3 years ago

    Good job Braves, now there’s a massive hole in the cleanup spot and no good candidates available to replace him.

    Reply
    • Appalachian_Outlaw

      3 years ago

      At least we have 3 closers for all 3 games that we might have a lead this year. #FireAnthopolous

      Reply
  86. greenguy

    3 years ago

    He’s not aging well, last year or so of contract he’s going to need a courtesy runner:)

    Reply
    • seamaholic

      3 years ago

      Local man thinks guy coming off a 6 win season isn’t “aging well.” Full story at 11.

      Reply
  87. Gocubsgo1986

    3 years ago

    Winners are the cubs and mlbtraderumors.com. Cubs get the Braves and nationals bidding against each other. All the rumors about kB will just drive the views up

    Reply
    • bigbadjohnny

      3 years ago

      add the Phillies and Dodgers also !

      Reply
    • pplama

      3 years ago

      Why are cub fans so excited about trading Bryant?

      Reply
      • bryzzo_2016

        3 years ago

        I don’t know about “excited”, but I think it’s clear (as w/ most Boras clients) that he will test free agency and not sign an extension. The Cubs won a ring with him, they are smart to move him for legit, controllable assets rather than let him walk for nothing (like Harper and the Nats) It’s just good business. That said, if Theo doesn’t get the package he desires, KB will stay put. It’s not like the Cubs are rebuilding, they don’t HAVE to move him.

        Reply
        • bigbadjohnny

          3 years ago

          True…Don’t have to move him……but Bryant will be traded……and with Donaldson off the board, the NL East became even more intense of getting that final piece for their lineup to be ahead of the others……..

          and there is always the Dodgers who always in love with Bryant.

        • pplama

          3 years ago

          But why not keep trying to win for the next 2 years and, if he’s still good, use that new TV revenue to re-sign him?

        • Finlander

          3 years ago

          Think Bryant is still a little steamed at Cubs FO. And he will be even more so after he loses his service-time case. Mutually beneficial for them to part ways and try to max out a return. But other teams know this, and they’re wary of Boras. Let the games begin!

  88. bigbadjohnny

    3 years ago

    The Kris Bryant trade return just shot up !

    Phillies…….Nationals…….Braves……Dodgers.

    Reply
  89. Natsfan09

    3 years ago

    Funny, there must have been hundreds of posts from fans of (name retracted), saying “Not a chance JD signs in Minnesota”. We just never know how the baseball gods will act….

    Reply
    • TheMick7

      3 years ago

      Yup, and now those same fans turn hostile and say, “well he’s old and will break down next year, so I’m glad he went there” or something similar.

      Reply
    • TheMick7

      3 years ago

      Yup, and now those same fans turn hostile and say, “well he’s old and will break down next year, so I’m glad he went there” or something similar.

      Reply
  90. Dorothy_Mantooth

    3 years ago

    I have to eat crow on this one. I said there was no way Donaldson would play in Minnesota. This shows how much lower the other teams offers were (ATL, TEX, WAS) as JD clearly stated he wanted to be back with ATL. Smart move by all of these teams not giving into his $110M ‘demand’. Way too much risk for a 34 year old player with recent, significant injury history.

    Congratulations Twins fans; he should be a true weapon in his first 2 years of this deal. Now you need to trade for some pitching and become real contenders. Would love to see MIN upset the Yankees in the playoffs!

    Reply
    • Kdag23

      3 years ago

      I too have to eat crow on this. I’m a Twins fan and I’ve been down on them this offseason and said in this forum and others that there’s no way they’d sign him.

      Reply
  91. bigbadjohnny

    3 years ago

    Ladies & Gentlemen…….forget about the NY Media bias talk about the Yankees as 2020 WS bound……

    It is the Twins !

    Reply
    • TheMick7

      3 years ago

      It’s not just the NY media. It’s all media that’s being honest. Yankees are still the clear favorite to win – Josh Donaldson doesn’t change that.

      Reply
  92. bagsliv

    3 years ago

    It’s fine, the braves will sign Pablo the panda Sandoval

    Reply
    • Appalachian_Outlaw

      3 years ago

      He’s too expensive.

      Reply
  93. eyesaiah

    3 years ago

    Braves rebuilding confirmed

    Reply
  94. JD Candello

    3 years ago

    Right team, right time, great sign !

    Way to make it happen, on a sour week for baseball this is a small silver lining for me- Big move for Minny and I think the really needed to make it, Kudos

    Reply
  95. Eatdust666

    3 years ago

    Just watch them hit more bombs than last year, just watch.

    Reply
  96. Megatron2005

    3 years ago

    Good deal for the Twins. Glad they didn’t do anything about the pitching staff.

    Reply
    • AssumesFactNotInEvidence

      3 years ago

      Homer Bailey, Rich Hill, Tyler Clippard,,,

      Reply
      • Megatron2005

        3 years ago

        Clippard I’ll give ya. Bailey has an ERA almost 5. Rich is too old and injury prone to make a big difference.

        Reply
        • Koamalu

          3 years ago

          Bailey had a 4.57 ERA last season and he replaces Perez who had a 5.12 ERA. Hill is only being counted on for half the season and he had a 2.45 ERA last season and a 3.66 the season before.

    • Finlander

      3 years ago

      Off season is not done yet.

      Reply
  97. mike156

    3 years ago

    He’s a quality player. He may not “earn” all of the $100M but he’s a good bet to earn a good deal of it.

    Reply
    • Strike Four

      3 years ago

      Not to mention, if Rich Hill is healthy around postseason time, they are a frightening team – the less-hyped version of the Yankees.

      This makes them a top 5 team in MLB for certain. All those teams are threats for the WS.

      Reply
      • TheMick7

        3 years ago

        Less hyped version of the… what?? No, they are just the Twins, and not as good as the Yankees, still.

        Reply
  98. bravesfan

    3 years ago

    This is a horrible miss for the Braves! Reports said we weren’t even close to the best offer, which at the time I thought was 110/4 years. WAY OFF. 4/92… that’s super reasonable especially with the 5th year option. What a joke. What a bad miss. Trading to upgrade that position is gonna cost us a ton in cash and prospect capital. Which I’m guessing we won’t do cause that would cost more than just getting JD. How do the Braves expect to roll out the current roster to Braves fans when we are so close to taking that next step!!! Platoon both 3B and RF with a weak hitting centerfielder and a up and down SS. Not to mention we don’t have a lock #5 starter and our rotation has some question marks with Folty, All those expensive upgrades in the bullpen and we get cold feet now?!! Wtf! Should have upgraded the bullpen at the beginning of last season like all the fans begged for, but this team simply can’t put it all together! Agh! Sooooo frustrating! Better have something up your sleeve AA, cause the product your about to put on the field ain’t gonna cut it. And don’t give me the money excuse. Public # sees the dough y’all are rolling in…. you won’t cripple the future or won’t be able to resign freeman cause of a cash issue, it’s all there!

    Reply
    • southi

      3 years ago

      The ink is barely dry and you are so sure that Atlanta made a mistake in not offering a similar deal? Maybe this is a big blessing in disguise for Atlanta, but it may take a few years to know for certain.

      Reply
      • bravesfan

        3 years ago

        I think that at worse case scenario, Donaldson has 1 good year in the entire contract. If so, I’ll take it cause it’s the Braves making a move to win now. By no means, would this be a “big” blessing in disguise. Maybe a minor blessing

        Reply
    • Tommyhawk

      3 years ago

      Agree, this lineup just got a lot worse. Really Markakis is a great 8 hitter but the thought of him in top 5 of lineup is scary. And teams with all the question marks u mentioned going into a season , especially in a tough division, don’t usually succeed. We need that power bridge between our top 3 and 5 to 7 hitters to be a credible threat.
      KB is one option but others also that we may not be aware are available also.
      Just depends on if Braves plan to go into season with that many prayers.

      Reply
      • Finlander

        3 years ago

        I wonder if you guys should check on a guy just down the road from you. Not sure of his availability or his defense. I think he took a foul off his foot last year, but his exit velocity is top tier – he’s going to be a beast at the plate, RH power. Historically good OBA. Yandy Diaz. Tampa probably reluctant to move him, but they could use a pitching prospect or two, with Morton winding down in a couple years and their young SPs still needing to prove themselves healthy. They might move Yandy if W Adames or eventually W Franco fits at 3b.

        Reply
    • elmore80

      3 years ago

      Maybe AA has other plans than JD. Still lots of options. Get over it..

      Reply
  99. bigbadjohnny

    3 years ago

    Everyone is talking about the $$$$$$……..

    Everyone should be talking about the “Panic” now with the Braves, Nats & Phillies to get the last third basemen out there…..Kris Bryant.

    Whoever looses out on Bryant, will take HEAT from their fans !

    Arenado is not going anywhere……..that is all a fantasy out of Denver.

    Reply
    • Javia

      3 years ago

      There is not going to be a bidding war for Bryant no matter how badly you want one bigbadjohnny. If teams wouldn’t pay $92 million for JD, they won’t give up a wealth of prospects and big money for 2 years of Bryant. The Cubs will end up keeping Bryant. If they trade him, they will not get anything close to what you want or hope for. No more prospect bonanzas, sorry.

      Reply
  100. wvredsfan

    3 years ago

    nice sign by the Twins… not the 4/110 that was talked about… but we all can live with 92 million

    Reply
  101. CDKinNoVA

    3 years ago

    Guess who’s NOT going to win the NL East this year?

    Reply
    • pplama

      3 years ago

      Marlins?

      Reply
    • cowdisciple

      3 years ago

      Twins!

      Reply
    • nymetsking

      3 years ago

      Warriors

      Reply
    • hotchkiss

      3 years ago

      The Truist comment of the night. What is AA thinking. Hey, Luhnow is available in a year…

      Reply
      • nymetsking

        3 years ago

        very clever.

        Reply
  102. imindless

    3 years ago

    Braves fans punching air right now. That was cheap contract for donaldson wow

    Reply
    • Jon429

      3 years ago

      If it was so cheap then why didn’t the Dodgers sign him? They were interested, no?

      Reply
  103. Mo4ever

    3 years ago

    Congrats Twins! Great news! Like to see the competition beefing up for the forum! Hope he gives a few good years! Sorry for all the exclamation points but I’m excited! 🙂

    Reply
  104. Karlander

    3 years ago

    I guess Donaldson turned down that Brewers offer of four years for 20 million.

    Reply
    • bigbadjohnny

      3 years ago

      don’t forget that lifetime various Sausage package deal also !

      Reply
  105. bigbadjohnny

    3 years ago

    Twins
    Indians
    White Sox
    Royals
    Tigers

    Reply
    • andrewgauldin

      3 years ago

      I’d put the white Sox over the indians

      Reply
      • Vandals Took The Handles

        3 years ago

        I’m putting the Indians on top.

        Reply
        • Baldkid

          3 years ago

          WHY?!?!

  106. some guy

    3 years ago

    Sano at 1B = License to eat. What will be higher in 2020, Sano’s batting average or his weight?

    Reply
    • Mo4ever

      3 years ago

      Haven’t you heard? Batting average is meaningless.

      Reply
      • Eatdust666

        3 years ago

        Thank you!

        Reply
      • some guy

        3 years ago

        Yeah, I’ve heard. But it makes for a better joke than wOBA.

        Reply
        • nymetsking

          3 years ago

          Get with the times, guy. “What will be higher in 2020, Sano’s weight or 75% of his wOBA?” What a knee slapper!

    • Koamalu

      3 years ago

      Twins fans would love if he hit for a higher BA than his 275-280 lb weight.

      Reply
  107. chisox93

    3 years ago

    As a White Sox fan I look forward to the Twins/White Sox rivalry that was so much fun in the early to mid 2000’s. Definitely a respectful rivalry between the two teams. Congratulations on a great pickup. An exciting player for an exciting time in the American League Central.

    Reply
    • Col. Taylor

      3 years ago

      Well said… Gonna be a fun season. White Sox will be interesting at worst. And could be really good.

      Reply
      • ChiSox_Fan

        3 years ago

        Rick Hahn not done yet!

        Don’t stop now, boys!

        Reply
  108. NOBumgarnerEqualsNONLCS

    3 years ago

    YES! So long umbrella man!

    Reply
    • Appalachian_Outlaw

      3 years ago

      NoUmbrellaEqualsNONLCS

      Reply
  109. Whifff

    3 years ago

    Great move Twins. For two years. Other two years will be absolutely brutal when a quarter of your payroll is injured. Regardless I applaud your pedal to the metal signing. You have to go4it and they have.

    Reply
  110. basquiat

    3 years ago

    Twins are going to be more fun to watch this year. I don’t think Donaldson goes there if he thought the Twins wouldn’t be very competitive.

    Reply
  111. johanjoseph1

    3 years ago

    BOOOO!!! Braves was supposed to be guaranteed 🙁

    Reply
  112. Luke

    3 years ago

    Ron Gant was out.

    Reply
  113. macstruts

    3 years ago

    The Twins went for it. Good for them. They are clearly the class of this division.

    That team can hit.

    Reply
  114. phenomenalajs

    3 years ago

    Didn’t see that one coming, but I’m glad he’s out of the NL East. LFGM!

    Reply
  115. Thor-DarkKnight-CaptainAmerica-16

    3 years ago

    This will end up a poor signing for Tue Twins…..I hope I am wrong

    Reply
  116. bigbadjohnny

    3 years ago

    Cubs GM does not have to make phone calls……..he knows Nationals, Braves, Dodgers & Phillies will be calling him………….and always that Mystery Team out there !

    Reply
  117. martras

    3 years ago

    I certainly didn’t expect the Twins to land Donaldson. It would seem the other teams involved in the discussions weren’t offering as much as speculated. I’d like to imagine the Twins were doing their normal routine where they make offers significantly lower than they think other teams are making in an effort to look like they’re trying without actually trying when suddenly they got a signed acceptance back and had their hands tied, haha. maybe the Twins will be able to find a reason to void the offer before the contract is signed?

    Of course, this throws cold water all over the constant excuse top players don’t want to play for the Twins which I’ve been so incredibly tired of hearing and reading about.

    Reply
  118. soylentwill

    3 years ago

    Why don’t the Twins get any photoshopped jersey love?

    Reply
  119. kaido24

    3 years ago

    I bet the Braves trade for Andujar from the Yanks now.

    Reply
    • bigbadjohnny

      3 years ago

      that is a far cry of dreaming about getting Rondon ./ Donaldson / Bryant ./ Arenado

      LOL

      Reply
    • steelerbravenation

      3 years ago

      Why would they do that Riley is better

      Reply
      • Strike Four

        3 years ago

        Riley is trash at 3B, he’s a 1B and yallready got Freeman, so he’s better trade bait.

        Reply
        • chound

          3 years ago

          His trade bait status is equal in value to his ability to play 3rd, both are plenty good

    • Dorothy_Mantooth

      3 years ago

      Not a bad idea but I don’t think NY is 100% sold on Urshela repeating his career year, so they may want to keep Andujar at least until the All Star break time make sure they have 3rd base locked down. Would definitely make sense for Atlanta if NY is willing to do so (and if Andujar is 100% healthy).

      Reply
    • Koamalu

      3 years ago

      Ouch. Why?

      Reply
  120. Throbinson Cano

    3 years ago

    The Truist Park curse is real.

    Reply
    • Appalachian_Outlaw

      3 years ago

      Ugh, that name is awful. Just like the Braves Ownership and GM.

      Reply
  121. Dorothy_Mantooth

    3 years ago

    The Braves will be just fine without JD. Should be a good fight between ATL & WAS for the division, and NY & PHI are far from chumps either so there should be some good divisional battles this season. I think 90-92 wins will take the NL East this year given that these 4 quality teams have to play each other 19 times a piece.

    Reply
    • Appalachian_Outlaw

      3 years ago

      I’m a Braves fan. It won’t be fine. Atlanta is now a 4th place team. The only positive is I’ll have more free time this summer for counseling.

      Reply
  122. aloop

    3 years ago

    Honestly the Braves looking really smart here not matching it. I wouldn’t have given him that 4th either.

    Reply
  123. Saint Chris

    3 years ago

    Twins offense looks like it will be phenomenal. The starting pitching, though? Yikes! Even after this signing, I like the Indians for the division.

    Reply
  124. hyraxwithaflamethrower

    3 years ago

    As a White Sox fan, all I have to say is, “Damn it!” Still possible for the Sox to be in the division race, but way too much would have to break right for it to realistically happen.

    Reply
    • Strike Four

      3 years ago

      White Sox really need to improve their bullpen and especially 2B if they arent committing to Madrigal on Opening Day, there’s plenty of guys like Brian Dozier out there who fit their timeline. Imagine a rebound year from him with 30+ bombs, in that lineup??

      But yeah, bullpen is the weakness on the south side. They need to make trades.

      Reply
      • AssumesFactNotInEvidence

        3 years ago

        CWS bullpen ERA ranked 14th in 2019…

        Reply
      • hyraxwithaflamethrower

        3 years ago

        2B isn’t worth addressing, considering Madrigal will be up 2-3 weeks into the season and Leury Garcia is at least passable as a major-leaguer until then. No sense paying someone $5M to play 3 weeks. Bullpen was actually middle-of-the-pack last year, and that was before Cishek. Also, Sox project to have Giolito, Gio, Cease, Lopez, Kopech, Rodon, and Keuchel for only 5 spots at some point, so two of those guys are headed to the pen. I wouldn’t mind them adding McHugh or Strop, but I wouldn’t call this a weakness. The rotation still has more question marks, and they have good starters at most positions, but huge drop-offs should they get hurt.

        Reply
    • Kdag23

      3 years ago

      Yes, and as a Twins fan we had to do something to try to match all the moves you guys have made. I see it as a three team race. Granted the Tribe looks to be scaling down, I am not counting them out by any means.

      Reply
  125. hk27

    3 years ago

    How do contracts like this affect lux tax calc? Given that JD gets 92 mil guaranteed over 4 years, I’m guessing it adds 23mil/year…. But that’d seem to mean that for lux tax purposes, his option year is only worth 8mil. Is this right? So, even if the money is not being paid out early,this is basically a (for lux tax reasons) front loaded contract, then?

    Reply
    • Dorothy_Mantooth

      3 years ago

      I think they take the 4/84 and spread it over the 4 years evenly. Then if the Twins do not pick up the 5th year option, the $8M gets added to the 4th year only. Remember, they calculate luxury tax totals at the end of each season (usually in Nov or Dec), so I’m sure the option has to be picked up (or bought out) prior to that date.

      Reply
    • CNichols

      3 years ago

      Club options are in effect the ability to create a new contract, so they do not factor into the luxury tax threshold of his current deal. So this is just 4Y/$84M = $21M AAV towards the luxury tax threshold.

      Reply
    • Mtemple1

      3 years ago

      The Twins will not be sniffing the luxury tax threshold in my lifetime…

      Reply
  126. steelerbravenation

    3 years ago

    Gotta have Bryant up AA’s sleeve
    Just waiting on the grievance

    Reply
    • yogineely

      3 years ago

      Hope so, is Riley a horrible option at third? Haven’t seen enough of him in the field, but he has a nice bat

      Reply
      • southi

        3 years ago

        Riley has a well above average arm and many scouts previously had him as an average to a plus defender at third. Defensively Riley will be quite good, the questions are will he make enough contact and take enough walks.

        Reply
  127. Atlanta Barves

    3 years ago

    Good riddance. In the end, you didn’t move the needle. It’s still been 20 years since the Braves have advanced in the playoffs. That 4-year deal is an awful contract so it might as well be the clueless Twins who are stuck with it.

    Reply
    • Baldkid

      3 years ago

      Someone is triggered and it ain’t me!!!

      Reply
      • Atlanta Barves

        3 years ago

        I never wanted the Braves to re-sign him so I’m happy with that.

        Reply
        • Appalachian_Outlaw

          3 years ago

          Well they’ll finish 4th, so the needle has been moved. On the plus side, at least they won’t lose in the playoffs again, right?

        • Jon429

          3 years ago

          That’s what you and lots of others said last offseason when the Braves did next to nothing. Didn’t really turn out the way you had hoped huh?

        • Koamalu

          3 years ago

          They signed Donaldson last offseason. They rode him to the playoffs.

        • wordonthestreet

          3 years ago

          Funny I must have missed the posts saying you did not want to sign him.

  128. Col. Taylor

    3 years ago

    Looks like I get Crow for dinner… Well done Twins. Now maybe a trade for TOR pitcher ?

    Reply
  129. Phantomofdb

    3 years ago

    Where’s the photoshop of him in a twins uniform like you’ve done for other FA? Lol

    Reply
  130. R.D.

    3 years ago

    I hope the braves relegate ender to the bench/platoon and sign ozuna. Let Johan and riley have third.

    Reply
    • qtip cottonball

      3 years ago

      Thats kind of what ive wanted all along. I think that a trade for Mike clevenger would improve this team significantly more than just signing JD

      Reply
  131. whyhayzee

    3 years ago

    Minnesota has signed Homer Bailey and Rich Hill to affordable one-year deals but will otherwise rely upon a very similar starting staff to the one that looked overmatched in the 2019 American League Division Series.

    “looked overmatched”

    Reply
    • AssumesFactNotInEvidence

      3 years ago

      “Captain Obvious” award!

      Reply
    • Koamalu

      3 years ago

      Early in the year it will be Berrios, Odorizzi, Bailey, Graterol, and either Dobnak or Smeltzer.

      People must be forgetting that Dobnak and Smeltzer were both good as rookies last season and that Graterol was a starter in the minors that just had no place in the rotation last season. He will get a chance to start in 2020..

      Berrios is a stud, Pineda will return at the end of May and he is solid. Hill will come in mid season and 100 innings of him is good.

      That is not a bad rotation. It’s not the Astros or Nationals of 2019, but its good. .

      Reply
  132. yogineely

    3 years ago

    Twins looking nasty! Twin fans, you gotta be stoked on this. I’m not a twins fan but I’m definitely tuning into a lineup of buxton, polanco, Kepler, Donaldson, Cruz, sano, marwin, Rosario, and garver.

    Reply
    • Baldkid

      3 years ago

      …and Marwin is likely a reserve to fill in all over the field

      Reply
  133. Goose

    3 years ago

    The Twins are going full blow 1982 Milwaukee ‘Harvey Wallbangers’ Brewers. All that power and hitting but average pitching.

    Reply
    • AssumesFactNotInEvidence

      3 years ago

      MIN had 9th ranked team ERA in 2019…

      Reply
      • Koamalu

        3 years ago

        No one was saying the Yankees could not contend because of their pitching last season while the Twins starting pitching was 0.32 ERA better.

        The Twins pitching is going to be better this season with Bailey, Hill, Dobnak, Smeltzer, and Graterol getting 60 starts that were made by Perez and Gibson last season.

        Sometimes its addition by subtraction and they definitely needed to subtract Perez and his 5.12 ERA and Gibson and his 4.84 ERA.

        Now that rotation to start the season is Berrios, Odorizzi, Bailey, Dobnak, and Graterol with Pineda returning in late May and Hill in June. That is solid. Better than last season.

        The offseason is not over yet either and a package of prospects headlined by any of the Twins top 5 prospects could get them a TOR starter.

        Reply
      • hyraxwithaflamethrower

        3 years ago

        Ok, but consider the offenses the Twins had to face half the time: the Tigers, the Royals, the White Sox, and the Indians. Only the Indians were middle-of-the pack; the other three were the bottom three of the AL. Meanwhile, the Yankees had to face the #4 offense of the Red Sox and #7 of the Rays and even the Orioles and Blue Jays outscored the dregs of the AL Central.

        Reply
  134. DarrenDreifortsContract

    3 years ago

    And for some reason they will probably still lose to the Yankees in the NLDS.

    Reply
    • Dorothy_Mantooth

      3 years ago

      And the Dodgers lose to the Nationals in the ALDS?

      Reply
  135. Eatdust666

    3 years ago

    No matter how good your pitching staff is, you do not want to go up against this offense.

    Reply
    • Vandals Took The Handles

      3 years ago

      Good pitching stops good hitting.

      Reply
      • PTSD Jays

        3 years ago

        Great pitching stops good hitting. Good pitching doesn’t.

        Reply
      • Koamalu

        3 years ago

        If that was so there would not be great hitting. This is a historically great offensive team. The Twins starting pitching was 5th in the AL last season and will be better this season with the subtraction of Perez and Gibson. Twins are going to be tough.

        Reply
        • hyraxwithaflamethrower

          3 years ago

          Bahahaha! You really think adding Mr. Glass…sorry, Hill…and Homer Bailey are improvements? No, just no. The rotation got worse and, until the JD signing, the offense had, too, with the losses of Schoop and Cron. They’ll still be tough, but seriously, consider who they beat up on last year. The win total may have been impressive, but a lot of them came against three rebuilding teams.

  136. bigbadjohnny

    3 years ago

    Here is the Mystery Team going after Kris Bryant……

    Arizona D-Backs.

    Reply
  137. DarkSide830

    3 years ago

    good deal even with his age. i think this locks up the central for the Twins.

    Reply
    • Four4fore

      3 years ago

      Their magic number is 162.

      Reply
  138. Sid Bream

    3 years ago

    Great signing for the Twins, now it’s time to do a Kirby Puckett to the other teams. It will be great to watch the Twins with some aweome power hitters in their line up such as Cruz, Sano & Donaldson. It’s hard to beat those 1991 Twins though with some fantastic names like Puckett, Knoblauch, and leg puller Hrbek, not to mention Chili Davis..

    Braves are going to find it hard to replace Donaldson in the line up.

    Reply
  139. David Barista

    3 years ago

    Twins needed this move! Good pickup, but the length of contract and his age is questionable…. not so sure about 38yr old Donaldson@$20+mil…

    Reply
    • Finlander

      3 years ago

      He just turned 34 last month, right? So he would be 37, not 38, for all of year 4. Heck, he might be good for 3 more years after that.

      Reply
  140. adc6r

    3 years ago

    Congrats to Twins Fans. Enjoy the ride.
    If his performance should fall off towards the (and, [and there is no Guarantee it wil or wont) just remember these first days of the deal when all is shiny and newl

    Reply
  141. bluejays92

    3 years ago

    Glad to see him go to Minnesota. I was hoping he’d stay in Atlanta since I’ve always rooted for them in the NL, but I didn’t want to see him go to Washington and I REALLY REALLY didn’t want to see him got to Texas if was to leave.

    Looks like the Twins should have a great chance to repeat as AL Central champs; hopefully they’ll do more damage in the playoffs this time around.

    Reply
  142. dkcsmc1991

    3 years ago

    As an Indians fan I was afraid this would happen. I think this cements them as division favorites, if they weren’t already. Both the Twins and White Sox have improved as Indians have not. Could end up in third unless something happens to improve the team above the low salary pickups that sometimes are successful.

    Reply
  143. ac106

    3 years ago

    They will be trying to move this contract midway through year 2

    Reply
  144. Koamalu

    3 years ago

    Great signing. That is a lot less than the 4/110 we were hearing a week ago.

    So Sano moves to 1B? Or is he traded for a starting pitcher?

    Reply
    • basquiat

      3 years ago

      Twins just extended Sano.

      Reply
      • Koamalu

        3 years ago

        Can still trade a player that was extended. You are right though. They are moving Sano to 1B where his defense will play better. They have plenty of great prospects they could include in a prospect for a starter if they decide they need one, even though it’s not a huge need for a team that was 5th in starter ERA last season.

        Reply
  145. DakotaExpert

    3 years ago

    Great sign. Can move to dh in a few years if needed. Now we wait till the trade deadline to see what pitching is available .

    Reply
  146. Dice 66

    3 years ago

    Well, Well now Sterling Marte talks heat up ,Braves need Marte more than ever now !

    Reply
  147. Braves 2015

    3 years ago

    Braves fans, dont worry about this, Donaldson was garbage for a lot of the first half of the season and the entire DS. 8mil opt out? haha forget that, Twins may not regret this as they have DH but there is no way the Braves could swallow that amt to an aging 3b who did have a bounce back year, but then what?
    Camargo handled 3b better than Donaldson for a small fraction of what he cost.

    Reply
    • Appalachian_Outlaw

      3 years ago

      Donaldson was a BIG reason the Braves made the playoffs. Going from Donaldson to Camargo is like going from a Porsche to a Kia. You saved money, and got nothing else. #FireAnthopolous

      Reply
      • Braves 2015

        3 years ago

        because Camargo didnt help them get there the year before for league minimum? Im not saying Donaldson didnt put up some numbers, but in no way was his 2019 season better than Camargos 2018 season, esp when you factor in cost.
        your Porsche to kia analogy is laughable

        Reply
        • Koamalu

          3 years ago

          Not sure what you are smoking, but it must be much better than the pakalolo of my youth. 5 WAR vs 3 WAR is substantially better. Money spent doesn’t matter for big market teams that only have a $136 million payroll.

  148. angt222

    3 years ago

    I knew Donaldson would fall into the Twins lap. Felt that ATL was gun shy about signing him long term. Also didn’t think Nats would seriously pursue him after inking Cabrera and Castro.

    Reply
    • Appalachian_Outlaw

      3 years ago

      Atlanta was too busy leaving permanent thumb prints on Lincoln’s face. I’m happy for the Twins, and I’ll be pulling for them. Atlanta will be 15 out by June 1, anyway.

      Reply
  149. CLKR

    3 years ago

    Still could use another starter, preferably left handed.

    Ray seems too obvious of a candidate, so I’ll go with E-Rod. Probably not gonna happen this offseason, but given Boston’s current situation I wouldn’t rule it out completely.

    Reply
    • Finlander

      3 years ago

      Think TOR arm with Sale if Boston eats a lot..RSox need financial help and some quality adds in the farm, maybe a P and an OF prospect to help backfill for Sale and eventual loss of Betts.

      Reply
    • Koamalu

      3 years ago

      Why? Their starters were 5th in the AL in ERA last season which was better than the Yankees and they got better just by not resigning Perez and Gibson.

      Reply
      • Finlander

        3 years ago

        As a staff, yes. But for matching up 1-2-3 starters for playoffs a clear SP upgrade somewhere is likely needed. Minnesota is financially sound with payroll into the future and a top shelf farm system, Sale is a dominant lefty, he’s familiar with AL Central, and I bet he would love that run support. If healthy, imagine Sale-Berrios-Hill as 1-2-3 for a playoff run. Odorizzi-Pineda-Graterol-Bailey provide a decent safety net. Proven strikeout monster Sale lines MN up well against anybody.

        Great job signing JD, his attitude and defense are as valuable as his hitting. Go get that TOR pitcher now and MN will make some noise in 2020.

        Reply
        • Koamalu

          3 years ago

          Berrios and Odorizzi match up against pretty much anyone. Hill does too and he will be back in June or July. Pineda was not there for the playoffs in 2019, but he will be in 2020. Graterol has nasty stuff and he will get a shot at the rotation in 2020. Dobnak was really, really good once he was called up. So was Smeltzer.

          Any team with that lineup has a shot in the playoffs and their pitching staff will not be a hindrance.

          Sale is a definite no. He is owed $145 million and has been hurt the last two years. He put up a 4.40 ERA last season and had a 1.5 MPH drop in velocity. No one is trading for him.

          If the Twins believe that they need a starter later in the season, they have the prospects and depth to go out and get one then. They don’t need it now and they may not need one at all.

          I sure wish the Angels were in the same position.

        • Finlander

          3 years ago

          12-4, 2.11 ERA, 237/34 K/BB, 0.86 whip, 102 hits in 158 IP with his stiff shouldered 2018 looks pretty good to me. Yes, last year, which featured an underachieving Boston team with a piecemeal bullpen, Sale had elbow inflammation. Yet he managed 218/37 K/BB in 147.3 IP and 2.93 xFIP. He and Dr Andrews say he’s ready to rock at 30 yrs old. If I’m MN, can keep my top 7 farm guys and Boston eats $80-90 mil of the $145 MM, I’m buying my Yankee exterminator. He would bring same edginess to staff that Donaldson brings to lineup. Goodbye Minnesota Nice.

  150. someoldguy

    3 years ago

    Finally a move that was BIG League by the Front Office… but on a more accurate note: the projected $140,000,000 payroll isn’t close to the highest payroll by the Twins IF YOU TAKE IN BASEBALL INFLATION.. According to the Steve the Ump web site the Twins spent Just shy of $113,000,000 in 2011 .. at a baseball inflation rate of 5% .. They would have had to sign one of the Top shelf Starters they need to meet the roughly $175,000,000 that the payroll would project to.. (If I didn’t hit the wrong button on the calculator..) to get a better View.. Team Values had more than doubles since then.. the lowly twins are worth more than a BILLION dollars.. just like virtually every team in the MLB ( it might be every team this season)

    Reply
    • Koamalu

      3 years ago

      What are you talking about. Baseball inflation? What is that? How deep in that bottle of gin are you?

      The Twins had revenue of $269 million last year so going anything above $135 million means they are in red ink. Value of the team means nothing unless you are selling. You don’t have that money in your bank account to spend. You only have the actual revenue to spend and a MLB team cannot spend more than 1/2 of that and stay in the black and like all businesses you have to operate in the black.

      Seriously dude, put down the bottle. Its pickled your brain.

      Reply
      • someoldguy

        3 years ago

        sure they did: you have their books in front of you.. You do know that the MLB teams always under-report their income and have many ways to make mega income look like it isn’t in fact Deadspin did a real nice story on that.”

        Or Just believe the people who do the books: .“Under current generally accepted accounting principles, I can turn a $4 million profit into a $2 million loss, and I can get every national accounting firm to agree with me.”1″ —Paul Beeston, President of the Toronto Blue Jays.. https://sabr.org/research/roster-depreciation-allowance-how-major-league-baseball-teams-turn-profits-losses

        In Fact Unless You are in the Twins front office and doing their books you have Zero real knowledge of their Real income.. Your rectalcrainial inversion is showing..

        Reply
        • nh_55

          3 years ago

          This guy is just another apologist that loves to give a contrary opinion.

        • Koamalu

          3 years ago

          Wow, Your brain is pickled beyond repair.

        • Koamalu

          3 years ago

          Wow, Your brain is pickled beyond repair.

        • someoldguy

          3 years ago

          hahahahahahahahaahahaha… people who are drunk or stoned tend to repeat themselves.. i would assume that is the reason for your 2 meaningless posts..

  151. eph289

    3 years ago

    Good for the Twins and good for Donaldson. The Twins were already a good team and now even better.

    Reply
  152. Ramon Garciaparra

    3 years ago

    Signing 34 year old players to expensive long term contracts is how these teams get in trouble. The player’s abilities diminish as they get older, the team loses financial flexibility to resign their own players, a young player in the organization gets blocked, the contract becomes an albatross. This type of deal doesn’t usually end well.

    Reply
    • eph289

      3 years ago

      Ramon – I think he will age much like Beltre aged. I think he will be an asset for the duration of the contract.

      Reply
      • Ramon Garciaparra

        3 years ago

        How do you know that? The fan in you wants him to age like Beltre and some do but many others decline or hit a wall due to age or injury. Ellsbury, Crawford, Miggy Cabrera, pujols, alex Gordon, David Price, the list is long. Donaldson was great in a healthy 2019 but the two prior years were diminished by injury. It is a lot of money for a small market team with a sketchy pitching staff to invest in a player in his mid 30’s with a recent injury history

        Reply
    • Koamalu

      3 years ago

      Signing Nellie sure hampered the Twins ability to win. The Twins play in the AL. if Donaldson starts to decline on defense he will move to DH.

      Reply
    • someoldguy

      3 years ago

      They have already signed most of their ” core” for the next 4 years… next year after current contracts expire they are still looking at only 73 million Committed dollars for 2021 according to sport trac.. that doesn’t include arbs.. They have money space to Burn..

      Reply
  153. Good Guys

    3 years ago

    Good signing by the Twins. JD is a great offensive and defensive player and they got him for a great price. As a White Sox fan I don’t look forward to seeing him for the next 4-5 years. The Twins offense is going to be scary. Minneapolis Mashers?

    Reply
  154. bearsfan49055

    3 years ago

    Something to think Nats lose Rendon to Angels. Braves lose Donaldson to Twins. This certainly helps the Phillies chances this year.

    Reply
  155. Moneyballer

    3 years ago

    This has me so pumped for the season! Definitely buying the mlb package this year, will not miss a game! Fantastic signing! Perfect fit!

    Reply
    • nymetsking

      3 years ago

      Love the MLB package. Other than getting to watch all 162 of your team’s games if you’re out of market, it’s great when there’s a no-hitter watch. Was even better before Scully retired; I’d flip to a Dodgers game at least once or twice a week.

      Reply
      • Moneyballer

        3 years ago

        Yes exactly! From time to time I would just kick back and watch the Orioles of all teams because I liked the play by play guys so much. They could make a 7 run loss interesting for the home fans.

        Reply
  156. twins33

    3 years ago

    Love this. Wanted the Twins to sign him last year. Need to trade for a starter now.

    Reply
    • TheMick7

      3 years ago

      No need to trade for a starter? They still need pitching. JD will not make up for a lack of top-level pitching by hitting 35 homers. Plus, they still have to top the Yankees, who just created even more separation with the Cole signing.

      Anyway, good luck during the season.

      Reply
      • Koamalu

        3 years ago

        You didn’t pay much attention last season did you? The Twins starting pitchers were better than the Yankees last season and they got better by not resigning their two worst pitchers. They ranked 5th in the AL.

        Berrios and Odorizzi were both very good. Now Graterol, Dobnak, Smeltzer, and later on Hill get the starts that Perez and Gibson struggled through last season.

        If they guys they have are not cutting it they have the depth in the farm system to trade for an Ace later.

        Reply
        • Moneyballer

          3 years ago

          This was hardly the plan. It’s a STRETCH to say they improved their starting staff this offseason. What you didn’t mention was that both Perez and Gibson were pretty good for the first couple months, Perez especially. The second half of the year is when they became unhinged. The FO knows they failed to improve the starting staff but they will have a shot at the deadline to grab an ace for the playoffs. Could be costly though, lots of bidders that time of the year.

        • Mick1956

          3 years ago

          @Koamalu –

          As an obvious Yankee fan I can be considered biased, but I don’t see how your point is accurate for last year or this year. Yankees didn’t go to game 7, last out with the Twins. In fact they’ve beaten by the Yanks fairly well. I’m not sure that your perspective is an objective viewpoint but I still appreciate your opinion.

          As far as the rotation goes- I don’t see how the Twins rotation is better than the Yanks or how they improved more than the Yankees did.

      • goldenmisfit

        3 years ago

        This sounds like the ramblings of a Twins fan. The twins rotation was not better than the Yankees in fact their rotation was downright horrible and the reason they were dominated against the Yankees in October.

        Reply
      • twins33

        3 years ago

        I said that they need to trade for a starting pitcher….you added the “no” to my sentence.

        Reply
  157. Spare Tire Dixon

    3 years ago

    I wanted to see ATL re-sign JD, but good for the Twins. It’s rare to see a team of their market size swing a deal for a top free agent, so it’s a good thing. MIN is going to rake this year

    Reply
  158. jorge78

    3 years ago

    The Twins: billionaire owners and a $140 million dollar payroll is a record for them
    in this climate of record revenues.
    What a joke…..

    Reply
    • Koamalu

      3 years ago

      Twins had less than $270 million in revenues. They can spend somewhere around $135 million without money coming out of the owners pockets. Billionaires didn’t get to be billionaires by their businesses losing money. Your understanding of business is a joke.

      Reply
      • nh_55

        3 years ago

        From what I see those numbers are from 2018. Last yr they saw large gains in both attendance and TV ratings so I imagine those revenue figures were higher in 2019. So say they get a good size uptick in season ticket buys, regular season ticket buys and ratings this season, I don’t think it’s out of the question at all if they have a payroll in the $150-160M range.

        Reply
        • Koamalu

          3 years ago

          2019. TV ratings don’t change TV contracts they already signed so no additional revenue there. 200,000 more tickets sold in 2019 than in 2018 is only about $8 million in additional revenue.

          Even if you add that $8 million in revenue from ticket sales it only adds half that to the number they can spend without losing money. So $140 million would be at the top end of what they can spend. $150-160 million is way out of the question unless it pretty much guaranteed a trip to the World Series and even then its not sustainable. It would have to be for just one year.

          Say they traded for Betts and his one year deal. Or someone like Gerrit Cole in the last year of his contract.

        • nh_55

          3 years ago

          I wouldn’t say that $140M is where their ultimate B-E point is. In the past when keeping payroll at approx 50% of revenue, they have made a profit in the tens of millions. If anything ~$140M is now where they are at to maintain those kinds of profits and going to $150M+ would maybe eat into those profits a bit, but it wouldn’t put them into the red. However, if that investment leads to more playoff games at TF that could potentially pay off. Here’s the deal. The Pohlad’s received around $50-70M in early 2018 from MLB from the sale of BAMTech. However, coming off an 85 win season in 2017, they proceeded to actually cut payroll despite this huge infusion of cash. I don’t think it’s unreasonable for ownership to kick in more when the window is open because once we’re in a rebuild, we will be in the bottom 10 in payroll for a while.

    • JoeBrady

      3 years ago

      The Twins: billionaire owners and a $140 million dollar payroll
      —————————————————————-
      You’re not entitled to the billions that the owner made prior to buying the Twins. You’re only entitled to a percentage of the revenue.

      Reply
      • Mick1956

        3 years ago

        Joe, valid point that many miss in their overall comparison with team budget v. owner wealth.

        Reply
  159. bradthebluefish

    3 years ago

    Love it. Happy for the Twins.

    Reply
  160. angels4life

    3 years ago

    Twins will regret this by the middle of next season, if not sooner.

    Reply
    • Koamalu

      3 years ago

      You are making Angels fans look bad. Please shut up.

      Reply
  161. BenjiB24

    3 years ago

    Twins are gonna mash again this year

    Reply
  162. Ctcutter

    3 years ago

    Bye bye bring in the younger talent please all that waiting for that ✌ fingers buddy.. Go! Braves!

    Reply
  163. goldenmisfit

    3 years ago

    So apparently all that talk from Donaldson‘s agent of having offers of four years and 100 million was just that talk at a bunch of BS. This deal will work out for 2020 but will go downhill quick after that.

    Reply
  164. Big35Hurt

    3 years ago

    This will go down as the worst signing of this off season. Ponying up $92 mil for Josh Donaldson is a “panic move” by the Twins to try to keep pace with the WSox. Donaldson has 1 season where he has driven in 100+ runs. In addition, this will surely prohibit the small market Twins from obtaining a top end SP this offseason or next. As of right now, their staff has Berrios who is solid, Odorizzi who was figured out in the 2nd half last year which is why he took the qualifying offer. We all know that the Twins just wanted the draft pick and they weren’t too happy that he took that money and came back. Now let’s move to the rest of the rotation. Michael Pineda has had a 4.00+ ERA each of the last 4 seasons and won’t even be ready to start the year because he got caught cheating with PED’s. Homer Bailey has been the worst starting pitcher in all of baseball over the last 5 seasons with an ERA of 5.56. Lastly Rich Hill who basically had an elbow replacement surgery and is out until at least June. Maybe the Twinkies think that Josh Donaldson can pitch for them…….LOL The Twins offense of Boom or Bust hitters was exposed badly in the playoffs by the Yankees last year. Donaldson is another one of those types of players that historically underperforms in the playoffs as his 39 game, .260, 5 HR, 16 RBI stat line reflects. Project that out for 160 games and you get .260, 20, & 64. Yikes. Get ready for a 2 horse race in the AL Central. It will come down to the White Sox and the Indians this year folks!

    Reply
    • JoeBrady

      3 years ago

      It will come down to the White Sox and the Indians this year folks!
      ———————————————————————–
      I like the direction the WS are going, but they finished 28.5 back of the Twins last year. It is doubtful you are catching them for another couple of years.

      Reply
      • hyraxwithaflamethrower

        3 years ago

        @JoeBrady
        Before this signing, I would have disagreed. Going by WAR, the White Sox added at least 1 in Mazara (they had the worst RF production in the AL), a couple in Grandal, about 3 in EE (worst DH production last year), and a couple each in Keuchel and Gio (because their #4 and #5 starters were just awful). That’s 10 so far. Kopech coming back, Eloy hopefully being healthy (he struggled initially and after returning from his two injuries, but was good otherwise, especially in September), Cease and Lopez hopefully taking steps forward, and the arrivals of Luis Robert and Nick Madrigal could provide another combined 8+ WAR. Then factor in the Twins’ rotation got worse by signing Bailey and, unless he somehow stays healthy, Hill. Also, even after factoring in last year’s happy ball, a number of their guys had career years beyond expectations (i.e., were not former top prospects who figured it out) and are likely due for some regression. When you add all of it up, I’d still have called the Sox a slight underdog, but the idea of catching the Twins this year wasn’t completely ludicrous.

        Reply
        • JoeBrady

          3 years ago

          They should be improved, but you have way too many ‘ifs’ in there.

          Right now, your rotation is Giolito (real good), Kuechel & Gio (both 4.00+ FIPs), and hoping on Lopez, Cease & Kopech.

          Your offense was #13, and you added a Grandal to replace a pretty decent McCann, EE (decent but 37), Mazara, and Roberts. I’m thinking an average offense, average rotation, and a .500 season. Which isn’t the worst result in the world.

          FWIW, I see this every single year. A young team with some rookies and some highly-rated prospects. They almost always under-perform for a year or two. The rookies revert a little, the prospects either start off bad or end up bad as the prospects and the league adjust to each other. And the young teams are always thin, meaning every injury hurts them worse than the more established team.s

    • hyraxwithaflamethrower

      3 years ago

      I’m an avid White Sox fan and I disagree. I think this signing means the Twins take the division again. I do agree that the Twins are going to regret this deal in 2022 and 2023 when he’s on the decline, but still hampering their payroll. For now, though, he’s good enough to make a difference in what would otherwise have been a tight race.

      Reply
    • Moneyballer

      3 years ago

      This is such a trash comment. I can say guys will go from hitting 37 homers to 20 the next year too, doesn’t mean it will happen and it doesn’t mean you don’t sound ridiculous in doing so.

      Reply
  165. Scrap1ron

    3 years ago

    Too bad their pitching sucks.

    Reply
  166. great_gumbino

    3 years ago

    What a terrible signing for the twins. With his injuries and age there is no reason he should have been Offered 5 years. In the words of Dwight schrute, “they are basically buying a coffin. If I were to buy my coffin I would have purchased thicker walls ”

    This was about as if the Angels were to sign Pujols all over again

    Reply
    • JoeBrady

      3 years ago

      Not really. They were equivalent players in the last year of the pre-FA contract. But you can’t possibly compare the duration of a ten-year contract to a 4-year contract.

      Assuming the normal .5 WAR decline each year, Pujols figured to be a negative WAR player for the last 4 years of his contract. Donaldson should be a bargain for at least two years.

      I don’t like the 4th year, but the price tag of $23M is pretty good for a player of his talent.

      Reply
  167. sss847

    3 years ago

    AL central just got even more fun

    Reply
  168. Big35Hurt

    3 years ago

    Does anyone rally think Minnesota will hit as many HRs as they did last year? Let me pose this question….what happens if Berrios gets hurt or has a down year? (Yikes!) This team could be under .500 if that were to happen. Failing to add Ryu/Keuchel/MadBum was an epic fail for this team. Looking ahead to next year’s FA pitchers is a bleak proposition. Next year’s crop is terrible.

    Reply
    • JoeBrady

      3 years ago

      Not as many HRs, but no one is likely to have as many HRs with a new ball.

      ‘If Berrios gets hurt’ is the same question for every team in every sport.

      I think Cleveland bounces back, but Minny is still the best team in that division.

      IRT Keuchel, I’d bet real money that Donaldson eanrs a higher WAR/$ than Keuchel does. Minny needs pitching more than hitting, but an AS 3B helps a lot more than a #3 SP.

      Reply
    • wordonthestreet

      3 years ago

      What if Berrios does not get hurt then?

      Reply
      • JoeBrady

        3 years ago

        Or. along the same lines, what happens if Giolito gets hurt? Anything could happen to any team, but I wouldn’t take that as a cause for optimism.

        Reply
        • Sky14

          3 years ago

          The Sox rotation might be worse than the Twins. Giolito is great but outside of him it’s pretty bad except hoping on young guys to dominate immediately.

  169. Moneyballer

    3 years ago

    These White Sox fans are all upset that we crashed their free agent party. I love it! Twins just smashed all your moves by adding the highest impact player in the division. Game on pale hoes!

    Reply
  170. slider32

    3 years ago

    Donaldson is a major upgrade for the Twins on paper, but on paper teams don’t always work out. I would rather havve Arenado at his salary, or Bryant at his age and salary right now. The Braves are a smart team and so are the Nats, so if they didn’t go after Donaldson at this price I have to think it’s an overpay. The Braves have the assets to get either Bryant or Arenado if they want to go that route. I think Donaldson is better off at this stage of his career with an American league team because of the DH.

    Reply
  171. someoldguy

    3 years ago

    I gave this move an A: funny because in the last Grade the Twins off season moves I gave them an “F”…. They had done nothing to improve the team.. This move allows them to trade Sano or several young future 1st base types they have in the minors for TOP line STARTING Pitching which is their greatest need now.. and projected out into the future.. Come July If their luck holds and the injury bug don’t bite too hard the twins should be cruising for the Division Championship and they will be in position to off load several prospect “sluggers” for a ACE… If they don’t they are wasting the player’s time playing to be competitive..

    Reply
    • Sky14

      3 years ago

      They just extended Sano. He’s going nowhere except first base.

      Reply
    • Troy mcclure

      3 years ago

      Dude why trade Sano ???? I bet first base was his end game anyways

      Reply
  172. Ozric40

    3 years ago

    Josh, are you reading this? I miss you so much! I guess this means you won’t be coming back to Oakland anytime soon… except as a visiting player. *sniff*

    Reply
  173. Kevin28786

    3 years ago

    Good luck to Donaldson. He had a great year for my Braves. Maybe he can do the same in Minnesota.

    Reply
    • Moneyballer

      3 years ago

      Have the braves just simply given up on Austin Riley? 2 years ago all I heard was about this young kid they had in the minors who is the future at 3rd base. That kid was Riley. Give last year a pass, playing through an injury is especially hard on a rookie taking his first turn through mlb pitching. I think the Braves shouldn’t panic and sell off the future in a trade when the answer they thought they had may still be the answer!

      Reply
  174. acmeants

    3 years ago

    Remember 2018? Division champs without rain. Braves can do it again.

    Reply
  175. Moneyballer

    3 years ago

    I’m giddy with excitement to watch this team play!! The one thing no one is even talking about is you’re practically adding an experienced hitting coach in the process here. Donaldson can give those young hitters an advanced hitting approach master class! His value is just immeasurable for a team loaded with young talent! Team leader, transformational anchor, just a wonderfully complete baseball player!

    Reply
  176. JackStrawb

    3 years ago

    So it’s 4/92 with at least an 8m buyout, meaning it’s 4/100m.

    That’s a big, big risk for an old player who missed 1/3 of 2017 and 2/3 of 2018.

    How likely is Donaldson to have a gentle decline that doesn’t mean the Twins get one AS caliber year, a couple of modest years, and a fourth where they wish they’d never met him?

    He projects to something like 3.5, 2.9, 2.2, 1.5 WAR, though I suppose his 6 win 2019 season leaves the Twinkies hoping his path is more like 5, 4.5, 4, 3. The upside is that Donaldson’s good enough that he just might be worth a starting slot in the last year of the deal, and he’s also good enough that his best is enough to drive the Twins significantly towards the postseason in 2020.

    Reply
    • JoeBrady

      3 years ago

      3 issues with your post.

      1-The article says it is $92M guaranteed, including the $8M buyout.

      2-It’s minor, but that buyout makes the contract more like a $92M/4, PLUS an $8M option for a 5th year. There is a decidedly non-zero chance he will be worth $8M in year 5.

      3-Your projection of 3.5 for his 1st year is suspect. FG projects him as 5.3. 5.3 seems way high to me, but if we start with last year’s 4.9, and reduce it by 0.5 WAR/year, that is still a total WAR of 14.6. That’s nice production for $92M.

      Reply
  177. Big35Hurt

    3 years ago

    With the addition of Donaldson and the losses of Cron and Schoop, the Twins are down a net 12 doubles and 11 HRs from last year.

    With the WSox additions, I wonder how much they’re up?

    Reply
    • JoeBrady

      3 years ago

      HRs are not nearly the best way to judge a player’s offensive contribution. Going by OPS:

      Arraez’ .838 replaces Schoop’s .777.
      Donaldson’s .900 replaces Cron’s .780.

      Even though I expect some reversion from both Arraez and Donaldson, that’s a big improvement on the offense.

      Reply
    • kleppy12

      3 years ago

      That’s not how this works. I mean if you look at nothing else at least look at the fact you are comparing two players to one and even if they stay exactly the same they would only be you know the great HR hitting team in the history of baseball.

      Reply
  178. Surly

    3 years ago

    Crossing my fingers that White Sox players stole signs. This would mean the end of Hahn and Renteria. He gone and he gone! Luhnow and Hinch available in 2021!

    Reply
  179. Surly

    3 years ago

    Don’t stop now boys!

    Reply
  180. flynn1280

    3 years ago

    I’m a life long Braves fan and the twins just picked up an absolute stud!! He not only anchored this teams lineup last year but his defense was insane. He was a gold glover at third. What he brought to the clubhouse you can’t put a monetary value on. Haters be damned, all twin fans should be super excited. I’m just glad if he had to leave, he left the NLeast.

    Reply
  181. papasmurf25

    3 years ago

    Good signing Twins now you just need to get the Yanks out of inside your heads

    Reply
  182. jdolan74

    3 years ago

    As a Braves fan, I think we made the right choice getting Ozuna instead of getting saddled with half a bad contract. JDon can DH the last 2 or 3 years of that deal. Signing Ozuna is a wash with the draft pick and next year we’ll get a draft pick, or maybe we do an in-season extension if it is really working out. He is only 29 so if we did a 3-5 year extension, he’d still be young than JDon would at the end of his deal so TBH, this couldn’t have worked out better.

    Reply
    • chesteraarthur

      3 years ago

      Why would they get a draft pick?

      Reply
      • kleppy12

        3 years ago

        Yeah I’m not sure what he’s talking about, you cant extend a qualifying offer to Ozuna again.

        Reply
  183. hopper15

    2 years ago

    This was a mistake.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Please login to leave a reply.
Log in Register

ad: 300x250_1_MLB

    Top Stories

    Athletics Trade Cristian Pache To Phillies

    Pirates, Bryan Reynolds Continue To Discuss Extension; Start Of Regular Season Reportedly Seen As Deadline

    MLB, MLBPA Reach Tentative Agreement On Minor League CBA

    Guardians, Trevor Stephan Agree To Four-Year Extension

    Cubs Sign Nico Hoerner To Three-Year Extension

    Daniel Murphy Signs With Long Island Ducks

    Guardians, Andrés Giménez Finalizing Seven-Year, $106.5MM Extension

    Brewers Sign Luke Voit To One-Year Deal

    Guardians Discussing Extensions With Multiple Players

    Cristian Pache Will Not Make Athletics’ Roster; A’s Exploring Trade Scenarios

    Triston McKenzie Shut Down For At Least Two Weeks With Teres Major Strain

    Yankees To Select Anthony Volpe’s Contract

    Cardinals To Select Jordan Walker

    Mets Option Brett Baty, Mark Vientos

    Luke Voit Opts Out Of Minor League Deal With The Brewers

    Mets Sign Dylan Bundy To Minor League Deal

    Reds Acquire Will Benson From Guardians

    Cardinals Sign Miles Mikolas To Two-Year Extension

    Keston Hiura Will Not Make Brewers’ Roster

    Rhys Hoskins Diagnosed With Torn ACL, Will Undergo Surgery

    Recent

    Athletics Trade Cristian Pache To Phillies

    Padres’ Third Base Coach Matt Williams Taking Leave Of Absence After Colon Cancer Diagnosis

    White Sox Notes: Hendriks, Right Field, Colas, Garcia

    Pirates, Bryan Reynolds Continue To Discuss Extension; Start Of Regular Season Reportedly Seen As Deadline

    MLB, MLBPA Reach Tentative Agreement On Minor League CBA

    Guardians, Trevor Stephan Agree To Four-Year Extension

    Padres To Select David Dahl

    Offseason In Review: Colorado Rockies

    Twins Select Willi Castro

    Cubs Sign Nico Hoerner To Three-Year Extension

    MLBTR Newsletter - Hot stove highlights in your inbox, five days a week

    Latest Rumors & News

    Latest Rumors & News

    • Offseason Outlook Series
    Trade Rumors App for iOS and Android

    MLBTR Features

    MLBTR Features

    • Go Ad-Free
    • Projected Arbitration Salaries For 2023
    • 2022-23 MLB Free Agent List
    • 2023-24 MLB Free Agent List
    • MLB Player Chats
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Extension Tracker
    • Agency Database
    • MLBTR On Twitter
    • MLBTR On Facebook
    • Team Facebook Pages
    • How To Set Up Notifications For Breaking News
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors

    Rumors By Team

    • Angels Rumors
    • Astros Rumors
    • Athletics Rumors
    • Blue Jays Rumors
    • Braves Rumors
    • Brewers Rumors
    • Cardinals Rumors
    • Cubs Rumors
    • Diamondbacks Rumors
    • Dodgers Rumors
    • Giants Rumors
    • Guardians Rumors
    • Mariners Rumors
    • Marlins Rumors
    • Mets Rumors
    • Nationals Rumors
    • Orioles Rumors
    • Padres Rumors
    • Phillies Rumors
    • Pirates Rumors
    • Rangers Rumors
    • Rays Rumors
    • Red Sox Rumors
    • Reds Rumors
    • Rockies Rumors
    • Royals Rumors
    • Tigers Rumors
    • Twins Rumors
    • White Sox Rumors
    • Yankees Rumors

    ad: 160x600_MLB

    Navigation

    • Sitemap
    • Archives
    • Feeds by Team

    MLBTR INFO

    • Advertise
    • About
    • Commenting Policy
    • Privacy Policy

    Connect

    • Contact Us
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • RSS Feed

    MLB Trade Rumors is not affiliated with Major League Baseball, MLB or MLB.com