MLB trade rumors: Blue Jays' Josh Donaldson to Yankees or Red Sox?

by Felix Pantaleón

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman could look to add a bat before the August 31, 2018 (8/31/18) waiver deadline. One name on the market is Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson. Cashman traded with the Blue Jays before the non-waiver deadline to acquire left-hander J.A. Happ.

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Yankees general manager Brian Cashman was busy before the July 31st non-waiver trade deadline, adding depth to the pitching staff by acquiring Baltimore Orioles reliever Zach Britton, Toronto Blue Jays left-hander J.A. Happ and Minnesota Twins right-hander Lance Lynn.

With right fielder Aaron Judge (broken wrist) and catcher Gary Sanchez (groin strain) on the disabled list, Cashman might try to add a bat to the lineup before the waiver deadline on August 31st.

The Boston Globe’s Nick Cafardo believes that bat could belong to Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson:

One player who could get claimed or traded this month is the Blue Jays’ Josh Donaldson, who has had an injury-filled season but appears to be making progress. He could help a team in need of a third baseman, a right-handed power bat, and a guy whose energy would be good to have during a pennant run.

Donaldson is also a candidate because even though he’ll be a free agent this offseason, he does have some money remaining on his $18 million salary.

Would the Yankees, Indians or Red Sox put in a claim for Donaldson? Would the Yankees do it to block the Red Sox? And would the Jays just let Donaldson go or would they try to work out a deal knowing that Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is their likely third baseman next season?

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Donaldson is currently on the disabled list with a calf injury, but could be close to returning. He’s hitting .234 with five home runs and 16 RBI in 36 games this season.

Donaldson is three years removed from being the American League MVP, when he posted 41 home runs and 123 RBI in 2015.

The eight-year MLB veteran is a three-time All-Star.

Mike Rosenstein may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @rosenstein73. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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