Josh Donaldson, a 37-year-old baseman, made his major league debut back in 2010. However, in the past few years, Josh has witnessed a significant dip in form. Moreover, the veteran switched teams five times since 2018. After signing a four-year deal with the Minnesota Twins, the Twins decided to trade Josh, along with Isiah Kiner Falefa, to the New York Yankees in a package deal.
However, Donaldson’s stint with the Yankees has been a rocky ride. Last season, Josh Donaldson arrived in the Yanks’ bullpen days before the opening day. Moreover, the Bombers’ front office decided to include the baseman in the starting roster. However, Josh failed to live up to the expectations and had a miserable season. Meanwhile, just when the fans thought the team was done with Josh, a coach’s statement reignited the fire.
Yankees Coach Still Has Faith In Josh Donaldson
Josh Donaldson started for the New York Yankees in the 2022 MLB season. However, mid-season, the veteran received a one-game suspension owing to an on-field altercation with White Sox’s shortstop Tim Anderson. Further, Josh recorded 15 home runs and 62 RBIs with a batting average of .222 in the entire season. On top of that, the baseman was unable to record even a single RBI in the playoffs. Hence, the infuriated fans wanted the Yanks to part ways with Josh.
However, the Yankees hitting coach, Dillon Lawson, confirmed Josh’s place on the starting roster for the upcoming MLB season. Dillon said the front office has massive respect for Josh Donaldson, as the veteran has shown a lot of character despite going through a rough patch. Moreover, the coach added the team expects Josh to make a comeback this season and affirmed they would continue to back the baseman.
“I fully expect for him (Josh Donaldson) to have this bounce-back season,” said Dillon Lawson.
Fans Unhappy Over Yankees’ Hitting Coach’s Statement
Dillon Lawson’s statement on the future of Josh Donaldson comes after Yankees manager Aaron Boone passed a similar comment a few weeks ago. Boone defended Donaldson and Aaron Hicks’ inclusion in the roster and said the duo has the front office’s backing. However, the fans are not happy and have termed the Yanks’ decision to back Josh as a grave mistake.
And if he doesn’t Dillon should be fired immediately along with Boone because he said the same thing
— Dennis G Murphy (@Denman8754) February 6, 2023
In other words “they’re unable to get rid of him even with 50% off of his contract so you all have to deal with him for another season”
— Ang_The_Cookie 🇮🇹 (@Cookie1Ang) February 6, 2023
This is discouraging because the trash display from last year has killed all my optimism of a bounce back for him. Looked absolutely overmatched and cooked 🫣
— Michael M Phillips (@McFillNtheblank) February 7, 2023
That’s crazy, we should trade him and watch him do it elsewhere!
— Stebanes Cruz (@estebancruz8) February 6, 2023
Optimism is not a strategy 🥴
— El Hombre Rojo (@ElHombreRojo_) February 7, 2023
A user asked the Yankees to hold Dillon Lawson accountable if Josh fails to perform and fire the coach with immediate effect. Further, a fan exposed the Yanks and said the entire thing is a cover-up as the Bombers’ are unable to get rid of Josh owing to his high contract value. A user also called Josh an overmatched and overcooked athlete who is incapable of a comeback. On top of that, a few fans still want the New York Yankees to trade Josh Donaldson as soon as possible.