Josh Donaldson, the three-time All-Star and 2015 American League MVP, recently revealed that he engaged in serious contract negotiations with the Los Angeles Dodgers during his 2018-2019 free agency. According to comments made on the Get It Done League podcast, Donaldson sought a four-year deal, but the Dodgers were unwilling to meet that term, leading the organization to pivot toward acquiring Mookie Betts from the Boston Red Sox.
The Dodgers’ Pursuit of Josh Donaldson
Following his 2018 campaign, Josh Donaldson entered a competitive free-agent market. During his appearance on the Get It Done League podcast, the former third baseman confirmed that the Dodgers were among the teams pursuing him.
"The Dodgers was calling in on me for my free agent year after 2018," Donaldson stated. "They were offering me a three-year deal, I wanted four at the time because I had two other teams that were in at four years."
The Dodgers ultimately declined to commit to a fourth year, a decision that Donaldson characterized as a strategic success for the franchise. The team instead shifted its focus to the trade market, eventually landing Mookie Betts. "They went and made the better move anyhow," Donaldson noted. "They went and got Mookie and stole him from the Red Sox."
Donaldson’s Post-Toronto Career Path
After failing to reach an agreement with Los Angeles, Donaldson opted for a one-year "prove-it" contract with the Atlanta Braves for the 2019 season.
Legacy and Toronto Blue Jays Tenure
While Donaldson played for several organizations, his peak production occurred during his four-year stint in Toronto from 2015 to 2018. According to the Toronto Sun, Donaldson was a two-time AL All-Star with the Blue Jays and earned the 2015 AL MVP award after batting .297 with 41 home runs and a league-leading 123 RBIs.
Across his 13-season career, Donaldson finished with a slash line of .261/.358/.489, totaling 279 home runs and 816 RBIs. He earned two Silver Slugger Awards during his time in Toronto, cementing his status as one of the most productive infielders in the franchise’s modern history.
Summary of Career Transitions
| Team | Tenure | Key Milestone |
|---|---|---|
| Toronto Blue Jays | 2015–2018 | 2015 AL MVP |
| Atlanta Braves | 2019 | 37 Home Runs |
| Minnesota Twins | 2020–2021 | Signed 4-year deal |
| New York Yankees | 2022–2023 | Traded from Minnesota |
| Milwaukee Brewers | 2023 | Final MLB season |
Donaldson’s retirement in early 2024 brought an end to a career that saw him evolve from a journeyman prospect into one of the most feared sluggers in the American League. Despite the near-miss with the Dodgers, his legacy remains anchored by his transformative impact on the Blue Jays’ roster during the mid-2010s.