Why Donaldson's 4-Year Deal With The Twins is Risky

Third baseman Josh Donaldson has reportedly signed a 4-year, $92 million contract with the Minnesota Twins.

After an injury plagued 2018 which Donaldson, 34, split with the Toronto Blue Jays and Cleveland Indians, he signed a one year, $23 million deal with the Atlanta Braves. In 155 games in 2019, Donaldson hit .259 with 37 HR and 94 RBI for the NL East champions.

I think this is a risky move for the Twins. I don't see Donaldson staying healthy for four seasons. This team needed an upgrade in pitching, not offense. Homer Bailey and Rich Hill are modest improvements, but the Twins don't need to spend nearly another $100 million for a slugger on a club that hit a MLB record 307 HRs last year. This isn't to say Donaldson won't be productive in 2020, but I don't think it's a good long term investment. Even with his great season, Donaldson is five years removed from winning the AL MVP. The Twins have put nearly all their eggs in one basket.

I also don't think this hurts the Braves much. The Braves won the NL East with Donaldson and they won it without him. Freddie Freeman, Ronald Acura, Jr. and Ozzie Albies are as good an offensive triumvirate as there is in MLB. I think they'll win the NL East again in 2020 while the Twins won't play October baseball even with Donaldson's capable bat.