A couple of days have passed since a report from the Star Tribune indicated the Twins are out of the running for free agent third baseman Josh Donaldson. Not so fast, says Darren Wolfson of KSTP-TV and SKOR North radio.
Wolfson, via Twitter, says the Twins have had “darn near daily” talks with Donaldson, who he says “sees a ton of appeal of facing AL Central pitching vs. NL East.” Wolfson adds that Minnesota has not yet been asked to make a final offer.
Follow-up on Donaldson/#MNTwins: there's been darn near daily dialogue between the sides. He also sees a ton of appeal of facing AL Central pitching vs. NL East. Will $$ talk loudest in the end? Likely. No sense the Twins have a final offer on the table. More on @SKORNorth at 5.
— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) January 7, 2020
It’s been reported that the Twins have offered Donaldson a four-year deal worth $100 million, with Donaldson, according to MLB.com, seeking a four-year, $110 million offer.
So what’s the hold up with Donaldson? The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal believes Donaldson is simply waiting for a team to hit his asking price. The Star Tribune’s Phil Miller reported Monday that the Twins are “unlikely” to increase their original offer.
Donaldson made $23 million last season, helping the Braves win the NL East while hitting .259/.379/.521 with 37 home runs and 94 RBI in 659 plate appearances.
If the Twins get Donaldson, the expectation would be for him to start at third base with Miguel Sano moving to first base.
