Former Blue Jays star Josh Donaldson agrees to deal with Atlanta

Josh Donaldson is on the move again.

The former AL MVP has reportedly agreed to a one-year, $23 million free agent contract with the Atlanta Braves. The deal is pending a physical for the oft-injured third baseman, says MLB insider Ken Rosenthal.

Donaldson in agreement with #Braves on one-year, $23M free-agent contract, sources tell The Athletic. Deal is pending a physical.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 26, 2018

Following four seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays, Donaldson was traded to the Cleveland Indians on August 31. Donaldson appeared in just 16 regular season games with his new team, plus three in the postseason, before Cleveland was swept by the Houston Astros.

Donaldson’s $23 million salary with #Braves will match what he earned last season in his final year of arbitration, which at the time was a record for an arb-eligible player.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 26, 2018

In signing a short-term deal, Donaldson will intend to prove he can stay healthy. The 32-year-old was limited to just 52 MLB games last season due to a calf injury, resulting in a drop in production. He hit just eight home runs and 23 RBIs, with a .246 batting average and .352 on-base percentage – nowhere near the kind of production Blue Jays fans had become accustomed to.

Assuming the deal is completed, Donaldson will make his return visit to Rogers Centre on August 27 and 28 during inter-league play.

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