The Toronto Blue Jays are unlikely to trade injured third baseman Josh Donaldson at the July 31 non-waiver deadline, according to Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe.
Rather, Cafardo notes it's "a distinct possibility" that Donaldson could be traded in August, though he'd have to clear waivers first. If a team claimed Donaldson, the Blue Jays would be able to either negotiate a trade or take the 2015 AL MVP off waivers and retain him, as pointed out by Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith.
The 32-year-old Donaldson had strong trade value coming into the 2018 season, but team president Mark Shapiro and general manager Ross Atkins maintained that Donaldson was a key part of the team. They had no interest in trading Donaldson, and they can only dream of getting a good return for him now.
Donaldson, 32, has dealt with a nagging calf injury all season and has played in just 36 games. He's batting a mere .234 with a .756 OPS, five home runs and 16 RBI. Expected to be one of the most desired free agents this winter, Donaldson is surely not going to get that $100 million-plus contract now.
The Blue Jays entered play with a 45-52 record, placing them four in the American League East. They did trade Steve Pearce to the Boston Red Sox late last month, and it's expected more veterans will be dealt at the deadline.
When healthy, Donaldson is among the most decorated and complete superstars in all of baseball. He posted a WAR of 7.4 or higher every year from 2013-16, and still managed one of 4.8 in an injury-riddled 2017 campaign.
The Blue Jays need Donaldson to return from injury soon, and for him to regain his All-Star form quickly. Otherwise, they'll get very little in return for him, and they stand to lose Donaldson in free agency for nothing.
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