New York Yankees traded Josh Donaldson from Minnesota Twins last year. However, the 37-year-old baseman could not live up to the expectations. Josh had a below-average season wearing the pinstripes. Moreover, controversy followed him mid-season as the baseman received a one-match suspension from MLB for passing a distasteful comment on Tim Anderson. Hence, the fans are highly unimpressed with the acquisition of the baseman.
Meanwhile, after a poor run in 2022, the 37-year-old baseman found it difficult to get an extension with the Yankees. Moreover, the constant backlash from the fans was not helping his cause either. However, in a piece of disappointing news to the Bombers army, the Yankee front office is willing to keep Josh Donaldson on the roster for the 2023 MLB season.
MLB Insider Confirms Josh Donaldson To Continue With The Yankees
Trade rumors surrounding Yankee’s baseman Josh Donaldson were rife at the start of the off-season. The fans voted for the baseman to be kicked out because of his below-average performance in the 2022 season. Josh hit 15 home runs, 62 RBIs, and registered 222 runs in total. However, an MLB insider has confirmed the rumors of Josh staying with the Yankees for the 2023 season and also likely to continue playing at third base.
Bryan Hoch, an MLB insider, quoted Brian Cashman saying, “Josh Donaldson will definitely be the Yankee’s third baseman in 2023”. Cashman and his crew believe that Josh’s defensive skills will help the pitchers in the long run as he can save runs around the field. However, as much as the front office believes in the veteran’s skills, the fans are totally against the retention. They do not want a player featured in the roster to save runs and not contribute in any other form whatsoever.
Aaron Boone Continues To Back Donaldson
While discussing the Josh Donaldson situation, Yankees manager, Aaron Boone, backed the baseman for a better season in 2023. Bonne elaborated, saying the veteran baseman is far from over and still possesses a good physique and bat speed. Aaron further added that it would be foolish to bet against a guy hungry to turn the upcoming season around after a setback in 2022.
Aaron Bonne concluded by saying Josh Donaldson still has a year left with the Yankees. Moreover, the front office backs Josh and determined to play him as the third baseman on the roster. And if the situation changes during the mid-season, the decision will be made and shared accordingly. For now, the baseman is all set to continue wearing the pinstripes in 2023. Meanwhile, the ahead of the opening day of 2023 MLB season, the spring training will being in a few weeks in February. The teams will put their rosters to test and finalize the starting roster for the opening day.