The Minnesota Twins have reportedly struck out again in free agency as a report from the Star Tribune’s Phil Miller says that the former American League MVP is not interested in signing with the team.
The pursuit of Donaldson has been a key topic for the Twins over the past couple of days as MLB Network insider Mark Feinsand reported that the Twins had made a four-year offer “in the range of $100 million” along with the Washington Nationals and Atlanta Braves.
Who is the favorite to land Josh Donaldson?#MLBNHotStove pic.twitter.com/qrqiG8O66b
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) January 2, 2020
Miller’s report confirmed that the Twins had made an offer that is believed to be in excess of $20 million per season, but are unwilling to increase their original offer that would cover his age 34 through age 37 seasons.
In addition, The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal reported on Friday (subscription required) that Donaldson is “waiting for teams to hit his number” which is rumored to be around the $110 million mark.
That number may not only be too rich for the Twins, but also several of his other suitors. The Nationals, for example, signed third baseman Asdrubal Cabrera to a one-year deal meaning that they could be relying on him to fill the void left by Anthony Rendon, who signed with the Los Angeles Angels in free agency.
The latest development for the Twins’ foray into free agency is a disappointing one, but should open other avenues. Miller reported that President of Baseball Operations Derek Falvey and General Manager Thad Levine have been in talks to acquire pitching via trade, but the pursuit of Donaldson may have delayed those talks.
Regardless, it’s another blow for a team that won 101 games last season, but needed to upgrade their roster to avoid another postseason disaster. While there is still two months until Opening Day, things continue to look like more of the same with each failed signing.
