Jun 16, 2021; Seattle, Washington, USA; Minnesota Twins third baseman Josh Donaldson (20) hits an RBI single against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
According to reports, the Milwaukee Brewers have checked in with the Minnesota Twins regarding third baseman Josh Donaldson.
The Minnesota Twins‘ disappointing season has resulted in them essentially waving the white flag and have pivoted to selling ahead of this Friday’s MLB trade deadline. The first big domino to fall was designated hitter Nelson Cruz, who was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays for two pitching prospects. One name that has been linked to trade talks was third baseman Josh Donaldson, and one NL Central team has checked in.
According to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman, the Milwaukee Brewers have checked in with the Twins for Donaldson, but his contract situation could make a deal a “long-shot.” FanSided MLB insider Robert Murray listed Donaldson as a potential trade deadline option for the Brewers in his latest “Inside the Clubhouse” column, but also pointed out the fact that Donaldson is owed so much money in the next couple of years.
https://twitter.com/JonHeyman/status/141977544695101849
Brewers check in with Twins about Josh Donaldson
It is no secret that the Brewers need to add more bats to their order if they want to continue their push to a NL Central title. They currently own a cumulative OPS of .697, which is tied for the eighth-worst in the majors. While Donaldson could help improve their batting statistics, he is in the second season of his four-year, $92 million contract with the Twins, making him a rather pricey option.
Through 80 games this season, Donaldson is slashing .249/.352/.475 while recording 15 home runs, 42 RBI, 42 runs scored and 66 hits.
Entering Monday night, the Brewers sit in first-place in the NL Central with a 58-42 record and a 6.5-game lead over the St. Louis Cardinals. But if Milwaukee wants to get past the likes of the San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Dodgers or San Diego Padres on the NL-side of the postseason bracket, they need to add more impact bats. Donaldson is a name to keep an eye on as we move closer to the deadline this Friday.