Toronto Blue Jays still attempting to trade Josh Donaldson

Regardless of Josh Donaldson’s injury and the looming non-waiver trade deadline, the Toronto Blue Jays are still hoping to move the 2015 AL MVP.

A couple of months ago, we covered comments from ESPN’s Buster Olney, in respect of the Toronto Blue Jays‘ attempts to trade Josh Donaldson. Essentially, Olney warned fans not to expect a huge return for the third baseman.

Now, with the non-waiver trade deadline fast approaching, the reality is the Blue Jays shouldn’t expect anything for Donaldson at this stage. Currently on the disabled list with a left calf injury, he probably won’t even be back in action before July 31.

However, this doesn’t mean the organisation has given up all hope of still moving the 32-year-old before the end of this season. At least according to The Boston Globe‘s Nick Cafardo.

Carfardo writes that there’s a distinct possibility Donaldson could be dealt in August, assuming he clears waivers. Certainly, this is what the Blue Jays will be desperately hoping for.

The 2015 AL MVP is set to become a free agent at the conclusion of the 2018 campaign. If the Blue Jays cannot trade him, they will have to wake up to the fact they’re going to lose him for nothing.

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Carfardo adds that another reason the Blue Jays are eager for Donaldson to return from the DL and be traded, relates to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. The young prospect has himself just come back after an injury, and the organization is eager to make room for him on their Major League roster.

However, this really isn’t anywhere near as much of an issue. Guerrero will get his chance in the Majors this season anyway, when rosters expand to 40 players on Sept. 1.

Regardless of how all of this plays out, Donaldson must be at least slightly concerned about what the future holds for him – despite his supreme confidence in his abilities. The combination of his advancing age and durability issues have impacted how much money teams will be willing to invest in him, both next season and beyond.

It also doesn’t help that the three-time All-Star has struggled with his performances this season, albeit in large part due to his injury issues. Both statistically and generally speaking, he is on course for his worst ever year since his rookie campaign in 2010, when he only appeared in 14 games and was limited to 34 plate appearances.

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How do you see this all playing out for Donaldson? Do you predict the Toronto Blue Jays will still trade him — assuming he clears waivers — or will the third baseman remain with them for the rest of the 2018 season? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.