Front Page: FEINSAND: Twins to Sign Josh Donaldson

[Nick Nelson]

The Bringer of Rain is joining the Bomba Squad.

 

According to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand, the Minnesota Twins have agreed with free agent third baseman Josh Donaldson on a four-year contract.Yes folks, it is really happening. The Twins have made a precedent-shattering free agent splash.

 

 

The four-year contract is worth $92 million ($23M AAV) with a fifth-year option that could push it to $100 million.

 

The slugging veteran and former MVP — reputed for his bat flips and historical domination of Target Field — upgrades an already potent offense after bashing 37 home runs for Atlanta in 2019. This marked the fourth time in five years he has launched 30+ home runs, excepting only an injury-shortened 2018. Back in 2015, Donaldson earned AL MVP honors with 41 bombs and 123 RBIs.

 

 

His arrival will push Miguel Sano across the diamond to first base, and while it's fair to wonder how Sano will fare as a full-timer there for the first time, the move will almost certainly improve Minnesota's infield defense overall.

 

According to Fangraphs, Donaldson ranked 17th out of 32 players to play 500+ innings at third base in UZR/150 (2.1), whereas Sano ranked dead last at -19.9. In defensive runs saved, Donaldson ranked second (15) behind Matt Chapman, while Sano was at 25th (-5). Age is of course a factor, and the length of his deal makes it likely Donaldson will move to first or DH at some point, but for now he's a dramatic defensive upgrade.

 

 

No, he's not a pitcher. And there are likely still moves to come on that front. But Donaldson does figure to have a positive impact on run prevention. The bat is his featured strength, and rightfully so, but this acquisition helps the pitching staff. Don't overlook that.

 

In general, this is a huge name and a huge get for the Twins. Since 2014, Donaldson ranks third among position players in fWAR (behind only Mike Trout in Mookie Betts). He's a superstar addition to an already loaded lineup, though it's valid to wonder how this contract will age in Years 3 and 4. Donaldson turned 34 in December.

 

We'll update with more details as they come in. How are you feeling about the biggest free agent signing in Twins history? What needs to happen next?

 

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[TFRazor]

GREATEST. TUESDAY. EVER

[ScooterDance]

Yesssssss

[TwinsFan268]

WHO THE HECK COULD EVER CALL THIS OFFSEASON A FAILURE?!?

[TFRazor]

Other than my initial comment, this move has rendered me speechless

[HawksNest]

kudos to the front office!

[Wizard11]

2nd largest FA contract in Baseball History for a player his age

[MMMordabito]

Way to go Falvine! Ya got 'er dun! I guess I'll need to pick off a crow this spring and serve it up to myself.

[USAFChief]

Great news!

[TFRazor]

Let’s see the stats on the infield D now with a vacuum at 3rd

[bighat]

OH. MY. GOD.

[Bandit34]

Great move! Now get an ace pitcher somehow from trade. At least our lineup is World Series caliber!

[Diesel]

OH YES. Trade for an Ace and let’s gun for a World Series!

[h2oface]

That's the Ticket!!!!!

[AlwaysinModeration]

Excellent. He made 23 last year, 23 the year before, and 4/92 is 4x23.

[prouster]

The still need an arm or two, but this is a great signing. I think it at least buys them a little time to work the trade market. A deadline addition atop the rotation could be the final piece.

[amjgt]

I have to assume this is 4/92 + 1/18 team option, with 8m buyout

[Vanimal46]

Cheers to watching a bunch of 11-10 ballgames this summer...

[ChiefsKid]

Now we're talkin!

[FlauerPauer]

Excellent move. Makes that lineup even deeper. So many possibilities with the order. Could get a little clogged with Donaldson, Cruz, and Sano on the basepaths, but hopefully they are just hitting each other in with mucho bombas! Hopefully the front office can now focus on making a trade or two to bring in a young fireballer and a solid veteran.

[drivlikejehu]

 

Cheers to watching a bunch of 11-10 ballgames this summer...

 

The Twins were 6th in MLB last year in ERA-. They do lack an 'ace,' to be sure, but this idea that the Twins have a horrible pitching staff doesn't hold up, at least as it relates to the regular season.

[MMMordabito]

Cheers to watching a bunch of 11-10 ballgames this summer...

Oh c'mon, they'll at least be 12-10 when the Twins win.

[Vanimal46]

I’m good with this signing! Donaldson improves the defense on the left side and has been a great baseball player for a long time. I’m happy we finally spent big money on a free agent.

[jorgenswest]

I think they could have addressed pitching by offering Ryu this contract. When the top four signed with their preferred destinations the Twins chose pursuing Donaldson over Ryu. I can’t argue with the decision though I may have in some thread earlier. I was certain Donaldson would go to Atlanta and the Twins would be left with nothing. Ryu seemed the one sure player who would sign for the best offer.

 

Good work front office. They read the Braves and Nationals correctly and must have stood close to their original offer.

[Vanimal46]

The Twins were 6th in MLB last year in ERA-. They do lack an 'ace,' to be sure, but this idea that the Twins have a horrible pitching staff doesn't hold up, at least as it relates to the regular season.

I hope so... There is still time left before deciding whether Dobnak and Thorpe are in the opening day rotation. I’m still hoping for more depth...

[Don Walcott]

Excellent move. Makes that lineup even deeper. So many possibilities with the order. Could get a little clogged with Donaldson, Cruz, and Sano on the basepaths, but hopefully they are just hitting each other in with mucho bombas! Hopefully the front office can now focus on making a trade or two to bring in a young fireballer and a solid veteran.

I believe “muchas bombas” is the preferred nomenclature.

[Dman]

Wow I never thought they would get him.  Totally expected Atlanta or Washington to swoop in and grab him.  I have to say I am surprised but glad they went to 92M.    95 was my high point limit was hoping for 90 but 92 works just fine.  

 

Our lineup is going to be crazy tough now.  Lots or right handed power to go against lefties,  There really isn't anyone you can pitch around in this lineup now and pretty much everyone is good for 20 to 30 dingers as well.

 

Even better he helps with defense on the left side.  This signing solves a lot of defensive issues.  Hopefully JD stays healthy he is a big part of this team now. GO Twins and Thank You FO.

[FlauerPauer]

 

I believe “muchas bombas” is the preferred nomenclature.

 

I never was good at spanish.... flunked it twice in school.

[gunnarthor]

Well, I was very negative on the FO early but this really changes things. They've made some solid signings and this one is a big time get. Very impressed. Great work to the FO.

[AlwaysinModeration]

I think this signing is the biggest free agent signing ever by the Twins by....40 million.