Toronto Blue Jays 2018 Season Preview: Looking at the Infield
By Austin Owens
Josh Donaldson, Third Baseman
There is a lot of speculation surrounding Donaldson heading into the 2018 season. He will be the driving force for the team this season and a big reason why they could still make a push for the playoffs.
However, if the Toronto Blue Jays are out of it by the MLB Trade Deadline, there is a possibility that they decide to go into a full rebuild and trade their star third baseman for future assets.
Donaldson missed a chunk of games last season due to a nagging calf injury. He landed on the 10-day disabled list with a strained right calf, but that didn’t hold him back.
In terms of production, 2017 was a successful year for Donaldson. He hit .270 with 78 RBI and 76 walks. He managed to hit 33 home runs in 113 games, which is just four less than he had in 2016. He played 42 more games that season.
The on-field play has never been a concern with Donaldson. But with the 32-year-old only signing a one-year deal to avoid arbitration, it’s hard to get a gauge on his long-term situation with the organization.
Rumours of a move to St. Louis hung over his head the entire offseason. Could there be a move to be made down the stretch of the season with any team? It’s clear that nobody will know until a deal is near done.
With Vladimir Guerrero Jr. having his hype train accelerated after a good spring, Donaldson’s future with the Jays could be even more in question than it was in the offseason.
If it is his last in a Toronto uniform, enjoy every moment of it. Regardless of his short tender with the team, Donaldson is one of the greatest Blue Jays of all time.
The future at third base is extremely exciting. But that doesn’t make the present any less amazing. The Bringer of Rain should make some more noise before the season is said and done.