Brewers: What are the latest rumors on Josh Donaldson?

Josh Donaldson is one of the last major free agents to sign, and he happens to play at a position the Milwaukee Brewers need help at. What are the latest rumors on Donaldson? Is there any chance he signs with Milwaukee?

Josh Donaldson would be an ideal solution to the problem the Brewers are facing at third base. However, he’s the last man standing among the elite free agents and is set to get a massive pay day. The Milwaukee Brewers are known for their fiscal responsibility, but could they go ‘all-in’ for 2020 with Donaldson?

What are Donaldon’s rumored contract demands?

Donaldson is believed to be seeking a four-year contract worth more than $100 million. Mike Moustakas managed to get a four-year deal worth $64 million, but Donaldson is coming off .259/.379/.521 season with 37 homers and 94 RBIs. He also just turned 34, while Moustakas is only 31 years old.

Which teams are linked to Donaldson right now?

The Minnesota Twins, Washington Nationals, and Atlanta Braves are rumored to have extended contract offers of four years of length to Donaldson. However, it looks like the dollars aren’t what Donaldson is expecting because his representation is still negotiating.

Teams can either play the ‘waiting game’, and hope that other teams drop out of negotiations, or they can go over the top and meet Donaldson’s demands. No one has gone over the top…yet.

Is there any chance the Brewers step up?

It’s not looking good.

Brewers GM David Stearns clearly has a valuation for each player that he won’t go over under any circumstances. He hasn’t gone above and beyond for any of the available options at starting pitcher and it’s very unlikely that he commits major dollars to a 34-year old third baseman looking for a four-year contract in excess over $100 million.

With Donaldson likely off the Brewers’ board, the team has two options. They can either hope that one of their internal options steps up or look at a few of the less expensive options still available in free agency. Ryon Healy is penciled in as the Opening Day starter…assuming his back allows him to play. Todd Frazier, Logan Forsythe, Jedd Gyorko, and Brock Holt are the best remaining options.

The Milwaukee Brewers still have some work to do in regards to their pitching staff, but they’re not in a good spot with their internal third base options. Stearns either needs to hold his nose and add another free agent, or stand pat and hope that the team gets a ‘lightning in a bottle’ season from Healy. Let’s hope he has Frazier’s agent’s phone number.