Why Are The New York Yankees Backing Josh Donaldson?

Last week, during the Yankees\’ post-season news conference, Brian Cashman and Aaron Boone expressed confidence in Josh Donaldson, the team\’s third baseman. Cashman reaffirmed this opinion at the GM meeting on Tuesday as well. According to him, the third baseman for the Yankees in 2019 will be Josh Donaldson. He praised Donaldson\’s justification and claimed that his offense is better than what he demonstrated last season and that they believe he still has a lot of potentials.

Donaldson was undoubtedly a one-sided force with his excellent fielding at third base and overall dominance for the Yankees in 2022. His striking, though, was by no means remarkable. His.682 OPS in the playoffs was a career low. And seven straight games with multiple strikeouts, tying the record for the playoffs. As a result, Donaldson will return to the Yankees in 2023, the fourth year of a four-year, $92 million contract.

Why Are The Yankees Backing Donaldson?

It isn\’t easy to understand Cashman\’s continued backing of Josh Donaldson. He had 546 trips to the plate and had a miserable batting line of.222/.308/.374, hitting 15 home runs and 28 doubles. Donaldson\’s season batting average was poorer than projected, despite Statcast\’s prediction that he would have a line of 215/292/370. The same timeframe saw a drop in each of his other batted ball categories. Although his exit velocity, hard-hit, and barrel rate were above average, he did not cause as much damage. In the next year, Donaldson will turn 37. 

General Manager Brian Cashman is constantly looking for a benefit to justify his choices and won\’t accept responsibility for his mistakes. Due to their lack of accountability and reasons, the Yankees will keep failing to achieve their goal of winning another championship. An ally of New York would have had enough reason to be disappointed.

According to Cashman, despite Donaldson\’s sizable deal, the organization will continue to use him at third base in 2023. His $21 million income, which is still owing to him in the last year of his contract, should without a doubt be tried to be sold and redistributed.

Initially, the $21 million would pay for the majority of Aaron Judge\’s contract. Furthermore, it would allow them to make expenditures in other critical areas. Several years ago, third baseman Isiah Kiner-Falefa won a Gold Glove award, and he is still a member of the squad. Therefore, Donaldson\’s play must improve, at least in the eyes of the Yankees organization and their ardent fan base. 

The best of Donaldson\’s career is likely behind him now. By 2024, they would have his funds of the books and be able to sign Judge. And, per the three-year reset timetable, they are still resetting their tax offender status the following season.

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