The Toronto Blue Jays made a big splash Friday by acquiring third baseman Josh Donaldson from the Oakland Athletics for infielder Brett Lawrie, pitchers Sean Nolin and Kendall Graveman and shortstop Franklin Barreto.
Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos made his second big move in just over a week after signing catcher Russell Martin to a five-year, $82-million contract. Donaldson, both an offensive and defensive force, has been one of the best third basemen in all of baseball over the past two seasons, earning MVP consideration after two straight monster years in Oak Town.
Here’s the 411 on the Jays’ newly acquired infielder.
Name: Josh Donaldson | Age: 28 (turns 29 on December 8)
Bats: Right Throws: Right
Position: Third base
Height: Six-foot
Weight: 220 pounds
Drafted: 2007 – Supplemental first round (48th overall) by the Chicago Cubs
2014 stats: 158 games, .255/.342/.456/.798, 31 doubles, 29 home runs, 98 RBI, 130 strikeouts, 76 walks
Donaldson ranked behind only 2014 AL MVP Mike Trout in WAR over the last two seasons, according to Baseball Reference.
The Jays also have Donaldson under control for four years, a major factor in Anthopoulos acquiring the Pensacola, Fla., native.
With the addition of Donaldson, the Jays’ projected starting lineup features a top-five of Jose Reyes, Martin, Jose Bautista, Edwin Encarnacion and Donaldson, which is downright scary.
With two big moves in just over a week and other reports surrounding Torii Hunter, Jay Bruce and Andrew Miller, as well as the continued negotiations with Melky Cabrera Anthopoulous might not be finished just yet.
