Are Atlanta Braves Still Frontrunners For Josh Donaldson

The Atlanta Braves still await Josh Donaldson to decide on what his future will be. With Atlanta, Minnesota, and Washington all offering four-year deals, Donaldson does not lack for options. Are the Braves still the frontrunners?

It was reported around New Year’s Eve that Josh Donaldson was being offered a four-year deal from Washington, Minnesota, and Atlanta. Teams like Texas and Los Angeles, who were in the Donaldson sweepstakes early, dropped out once the asking price began to balloon. At age 34, and after some injury-riddled seasons, Donaldson is wise to seek the longest deal that is offered to him despite his advanced age.

The Atlanta Braves have seemingly had the upper hand since negotiations for Donaldson began. Minnesota and Washington were quick to offer the four-year deal while the Braves were still unwilling to add the extra year on their three-year offer. After Donaldson didn’t jump at the offers from the Twins and Nationals, the Braves added an extra year to stay in the race for the star free agent. Now, as Donaldson’s decision continues to drag out, it still feels like the Braves are the frontrunners to land Donaldson.

Washington doesn’t seem to be a distant second, however. For whatever reason, the Twins feel like the team that is falling behind, but that can all change with time. All three teams are offering a lot of years and a lot of money. It’s up to Donaldson where he wants to end his professional playing career. Sean Dolittle, the Nationals pitcher, is reportedly friends with Donaldson and pushing hard to get him to D.C. Donaldson has all the connections made from his last season in Atlanta still here so maybe that will push Atlanta over the top. Only time will tell. Don’t be shocked to see Donaldson go to Washington or Minnesota.