Blue Jays remain unmotivated to move Josh Donaldson

The St. Louis Cardinals are reportedly continuing to inquire about Josh Donaldson, but the Toronto Blue Jays remain unwilling to trade the 2015 AL MVP.

Josh Donaldson has said on several occasions his preference is to remain with the Toronto Blue Jays next season. If the latest speculation is anything to go by, he should get his wish.

According to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis-Post Dispatch, the Cardinals are continuing to inquire about Donaldson. However, Goold admits the Blue Jays don’t seem motivated to trade him.

Goold adds that the Cardinals are feeling the urgency to win now, hence why they keep asking about Donaldson. This sense of urgency will be pushed to the limit, if they truly want to add the 2015 AL MVP.

That’s because, as recently reported by FOX Sport‘s Ken Rosenthal, the Blue Jays’ asking price is high. As far as they are concerned, they aim to compete in 2018 and Donaldson remains a key component in this plan.

In theory, the plan to compete should make Toronto Blue Jays fans happy. However, there are members of the local sports media who think this approach is a bad idea.

One of the main reasons for this is because of the renewed strength of the New York Yankees. With the 2017 AL East-winning Boston Red Sox expected to challenge again, the belief is the Blue Jays have little chance of returning to the postseason next year and would be better-served rebuilding.

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Adding to the concern, are comments from president Mark Shapiro, essentially admitting they want to attempt to contend, to keep the crowds flocking into Rogers Centre. This could essentially be construed as listening to the fans, which is a dangerous approach to take.

From our point of view, we have no problem with the Toronto Blue Jays aiming to contend, if it is genuine. However, if it’s a half-hearted approach, the fans will see through this, thus attendances will be affected regardless.

(By the way, this does not mean we view the Jays’ fan base as fickle. It’s more about them not being taken for fools.)

In truth, the fate of Donaldson will be a significant indicator in the direction of the Blue Jays. As long as he sticks around, the team will theoretically be sticking to their plan to compete.

However, the minute the three-time All-Star is traded, it will be the equivalent of Shapiro and company holding up the white flag on contending in 2018. Stay tuned, as it’s going to get very interesting in the coming months.

Next: Phillies interested in Marcus Stroman

What’s your position on the situation involving Donaldson? Do you believe it’s time to move him? Or should the Blue Jays keep the third baseman, in anticipation of returning to contention in 2018? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.