SAN DIEGO _ The Los Angeles Dodgers are among the few teams in the hunt for third baseman Josh Donaldson after Anthony Rendon, the best position player on the free-agent market, landed with the Angels late Wednesday.
Donaldson's other suitors reportedly include the Atlanta Braves, Washington Nationals and Minnesota Twins. Donaldson, 34, is five years older than Rendon and will, consequently, accept a shorter contract than the seven-year, $245-million deal Rendon secured. He is expected to make at least $20 million per season. The question is whether a club will go to a fourth year for him.
The Dodgers turned to Donaldson after pursuing Rendon, but not making him an offer Wednesday, according to people with knowledge of the situation. On Tuesday, they lost out on Gerrit Cole to the New York Yankees despite making an eight-year, $300-million offer.
Donaldson enjoyed a rebound season with the Braves after dealing with calf and shoulder injuries the previous two seasons. He clubbed 37 home runs and posted a .900 on-base-plus-slugging percentage in 155 games as the Braves won their second consecutive National League East title. He was named 2019 National League comeback player of the year four years after he won American League MVP with the Toronto Blue Jays.
Incorporating Donaldson would require shifting Justin Turner across the diamond from third base. President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said Turner is willing to move.
