The 6 Most Impactful Josh Donaldson Intangibles

Pedigree

Donaldson owns an MVP Award and has played in seven postseasons. Since 2013, he leads all third basemen with at least 2,500 at-bats in OPS (.901) and wRC+ (145). There is one position player with more fWAR than Donaldson since 2013: Mike Trout.

A resume of his stature goes a long way in encouraging others to buy in. He has built an exceptional amount of respect from the league. As former Twins centerfielder Torii Hunter said on Skor North, "he has done damage on the game."

Self-made mindset

Donaldson was not always a household name. In 2012, Brandon Inge went down with a shoulder injury, and the now ‘Bringer of Rain’ earned a chance to play for the Athletics in his already age-26 season. By 2013, he was a full-fledged star for the A’s, producing 7.3 fWAR and finishing fourth in the MVP race.

He noted in his press conference Wednesday that he believes he was once the worst player in MLB. He wasn’t handed anything, and he knows the value of hard work and dedication.

Incredible knowledge of the game

Donaldson is a hitting guru. He frequently breaks down how he made adjustments and rejected “traditional” methods of learning the craft. His swing is compact, violent, and carefully constructed. He turned himself into a perennial 40 home run threat with a specified and focused approach.

Giving a 34-year-old player $92 million over four years seems ill-advised, but this isn’t just any other player. Donaldson posted career highs in average exit velocity, barrel rate, and hard hit percentage in 2019. He is a true masher at the plate, and his intelligence is vital.

Comparisons to Twins’ top prospects

With a powerful leg kick and a natural generation of thump, having Donaldson mentor Royce Lewis seems destined. Donaldson is extremely passionate about hitting and combined with Nelson Cruz, who had tremendous influence on Miguel Sanó, can carry out as a teacher of the game.

Donaldson is not just a baseball addition, he is a developmental addition. He wants to lead the young Twins on a similar path of success. Donaldson played with young star Ronald Acuña Jr. last season, and the two seemed to connect on a special level.

Swagger and competitiveness

Much has been said about the ‘edge’ that Donaldson carries. After signing with Atlanta last year, Donaldson was asked what he'll bring to the Braves. His response, according to David O’Brien of The Athletic, “I don’t know, have you ever looked at the back of my baseball card?” Donaldson said. “That’s probably what I can bring.”

On Tuesday, the three-time All-Star expressed his craving for victory.

"I enjoy winning," Donaldson said. "I think over my entire career, I’ve been pretty successful at doing that and establishing an environment that’s successful for winning, and ultimately it comes down to competing. I’ve enjoyed competing ever since I was a very small child. The other end of that is I don’t enjoy losing."

Familiarity with success

A winning culture has been instilled in Minnesota and their new addition oozes triumph. Donaldson has played in over 155 games five times for three different teams. All five of those teams made the playoffs and three won their division. Their combined record was 463-347, or an average of 93 wins per season. He received MVP votes in all five of those campaigns.

Donaldson is a phenomenal baseball player with clear tools and ability, but his personality and demeanor are maybe equally as impactful.

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