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Twins Sign Josh Donaldson

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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.

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Comments

    • 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.

      45

        • 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.

          3

        • 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.

          2

        • 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.

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

          1

        • 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.

        • 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!

      • 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.

      • What a refreshing comment to read!

        I’m a Mets fan.

        I wish more people were like you.

        2

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

      6

      • 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.

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

        • 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

      • 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.

        3

        • 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!

          3

        • 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.

          3

        • 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.

          2

      • 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.

        3

      • 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

        1

        • 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

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

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

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

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

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

    3

    • 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.

        • 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.

          1

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

        1

        • 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.

          5

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

    1

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

      1

      • 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

        3

        • 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!

        • 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.

        • 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.

        • 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

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

    • 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.

  14. 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.

        • 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…

      • @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?

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

      2

      • 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.

    • 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.

      4

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

        1

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

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

      -One load of laundry

      4

      • 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?

        2

        • 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.

          1

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

          1

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

      • 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……

  19. 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.

    1

        • 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.

          4

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

          4

        • 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

        • 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.

      • 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?

        • 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.

    • 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.

      1

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

        1

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

        1

        • 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.

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

    4

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

      1

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

      5

      • @I like al conin

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

        1

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

          1

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

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

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

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

      3

    • 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?

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

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

    3

  29. 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.

    1

    • 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.

      1

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

        1

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

    3

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

    3

      • @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?

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

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

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

  44. 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

    2

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

    2

  50. 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

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

      1

    • 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.

      1

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

    2

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

      1

      • After eliminating the yankees. Everyone can play the hypothetical game

        1

        • 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

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

    2

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

    1

  59. 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

    3

    • 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.

      1

  61. 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!

    • 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.

      1

      • 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.

        1

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

    3

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

    1

    • 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.

    • 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?

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

    • 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.

      1

  67. 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

    5

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

      3

      • 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.

        3

      • 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

    • 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.

      • 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.

        2

        • 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.

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

        1

  68. 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.

    1

    • 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.

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

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

      3

    • 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.

      2

      • 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.

        2

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

    5

  71. 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.

    • 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”

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

  72. 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.

    2

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

    4

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

      2

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

    1

    • 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.

    • 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.

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

    2

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

      3

  77. 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.

    2

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

    • 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.

      2

  80. 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.

    1

  81. 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.

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

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

    1

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

    2

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

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

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

      3

  87. 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

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      • 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.

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        • 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.

        • 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?

        • 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. The Kris Bryant trade return just shot up !

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

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  89. 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….

    4

    • 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.

      1

    • 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.

  90. 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!

    • 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.

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

    It is the Twins !

    • 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.

  94. 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

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

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

        • 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.

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  97. 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.

    • 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.

      1

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

  98. 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!

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    • 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.

      • 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

    • 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.

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      • 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.

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

  99. 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.

    • 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.

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

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

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

  103. 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! :-)

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

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

  107. 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.

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

  109. 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.

  110. 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.

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

    That team can hit.

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

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

  116. 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 !

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  117. 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.

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

      LOL

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

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

    • 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).

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

  121. 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.