Josh Donaldson’s hesitation puts Yankees in a bind

Josh Donaldson holding a bat.
MLB.com
Amanda Paula
Monday June 19, 2023

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Josh Donaldson had a season to forget but says he remains unsure if he will retire in 2024 or not.

The New York Yankees‘ third baseman, Josh Donaldson, has had a difficult period this season. Recent reports by The Athletic have raised questions about his potential departure instead of renewing his contract with the famous baseball franchise.

Josh Donaldson’s uncertainty about his journey at the Yankees

On Sunday, prior to the Yankees’ double loss to the Red Sox, Josh Donaldson expressed uncertainty about whether he would continue wearing the iconic jersey next season. He mentioned that he would evaluate his situation at the end of the season before making any game-changing decision.

“It depends on how I feel going through this year and having discussions with my family. I receive questions about this not only from you but also from other people,”

Josh Donaldson stated.

As of Monday’s off day, Donaldson’s batting average stood at .151 with six home runs, eight RBIs, and a .724 OPS in 17 games. These statistics are disappointing, especially considering he missed about two months at the beginning of the season due to a strained right hamstring.

Josh Donaldson walk-off single in Yankees debut.
MLB.com

While he is still a highly skilled defender, Josh Donaldson’s recent offensive production has not lived up to the reputation that earned him the nickname “Bringer of Rain.” In his first season with the Yankees, he hit .222 with 15 home runs, 62 RBIs, and a .682 OPS in 132 games.

Donaldson recently mentioned feeling “really good” at the plate despite his struggles. However, he acknowledged that his hits have not fallen, and he has yet to play every day.

MLB.com

The past Sunday, Josh Donaldson’s average exit velocity improved to around 92.2 mph, surpassing last season’s average exit velocity of 90.7 mph. However, this did not change the fact that the Yankees suffered a devastating loss against their biggest rivals, the Boston Red Sox.

Furthermore, Josh Donaldson is in the final season of his four-year, $92 million contract with the Yankees. After almost four seasons with the team, he faces an important decision regarding his future.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed encouragement concerning Josh Donaldson’s at-bats though he admitted that his performance “isn’t good yet.”

Having had a significant career in MLB, including an American League MVP award in 2015 and three All-Star appearances, the Florida native has played for teams such as Oakland, Toronto, Atlanta, and Cleveland. But it seems that if Josh Donaldson continues his journey with the Yankees, he may face criticism due to his poor form and advanced age.

What do you think? Leave your comment below!

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Jay

If this is his last year of his co tract how does that effect the Yankees? They’re not going to resign him. So who cares what he does next year. No one will trade for him.

Jan Johnson

He needs to go NOW!!!!

Craig hoffmann

they need to send the whole team to the minors and bring up the best minor league team they can not do any worse.

Pablo Rodriguez

Need to go: Donaldson, Stanton, German, Severing, Holmes together with Boone and Cashman.

Craig T

Please retire now, Donaldson, and Stanton Please get rid of Boone and Cashman. Please send Volpe and Cabrera to the minor leagues. Done watching this team that has a lower on base percentage than the Oakland Athletics . This teams offense is to pitiful, they are are unwatchable. Wanted happen to the Joe Torre teams that knew how to work the count, and could actually bunt. Don’t waste your time nor money, on this overpaid, badly put together team.

Doc

Peraza is waiting down in Area 51. DFA Donaldson like Hicks and git r done

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