With the massive Aaron Judge and Carlos Rodon signing in the offseason, the New York Yankees proved to have a solid offseason. However, the two giant signings never solved their already-prevalent muddle at positions like the left field, shortstop, and third base. Now, with the commencement of the Grapefruit League, Josh Donaldson, who’s expected to start at third base on Opening Day, has once again proven the reason behind the criticism toward him.
While the Yankees went eventually to beat the Nationals at their spring training home, fans didn’t respond lightly to Donaldson’s blunder. Moreover, this blunder also expanded to the Yankees’ already prevalent problems at third base, with minimum alternate options.
Josh Donaldson’s spring training performance isn’t helping the New York Yankees solve their problems at third base
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The 37-year-old baseman, who made his MLB debut with the Oakland Athletics in 2010, moved to the Minnesota Twins in 2020 after winning the AL MVP in 2015, along with three All-Star appearances until then. He signed a four-year contract with the Twins worth $92 million, before getting traded to the Yankees along with shortstop Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Ben Rortvedt for Gary Sanchez and Gio Urshela.
Donaldson sailed this throw to let the leadoff runner reach pic.twitter.com/H3JM48ar0Z
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) March 1, 2023
However, in hindsight, this trade has found minimum benefits in the ballpark for the Pinstripes. And this blunder, at the start of the third innings with both teams level at zero, could tell the tale for another season.
Derek Hill hit the ball straight to Josh Donaldson at third base, who caught it clean but managed to sail his throw way over Anthony Rizzo at first base, allowing a single.
Through 2022, the MLB veteran set a new record by recording a 75.5% contact percentage of all pitches he swung at in the zone.
Fans were never going to respond to this lightly
Unfortunately for the Bronx Bombers and their fans, their concerns about Donaldson at third base are gradually cropping out. This is how they reacted to Donaldson’s poor throw:
0 gold glove winning, 3rd base legend, Donaldson? pic.twitter.com/quPSQgnhJC
— The Mangulorian 🇩🇴 (@Dom_C02) March 1, 2023
That’s our third baseman!
— Teddy Perkins (@TheBigWhistle07) March 1, 2023
There’s that gold glove defense!! And to top it all off, Kay is calling Rizzo, Gallo! How cute!
— Bad Benny (@HereREGOagain) March 2, 2023
Me: "What is Donaldson's trade value?"
Someone Else: "Haha, not much, if anything."
Me: "I'll take it!"
— Curt (@CJLoper) March 1, 2023
donaldson already in mid season form. cant wait for him to win mvp 😮💨
— slippas (@Slippas3) March 1, 2023
He’s going to be really tough to hide at 3rd base. Hate that he’s in the line up .
— Injured Athlete (@mattwillpete) March 2, 2023
“his defense is good that’s why he’s here!” pic.twitter.com/hGeAOJTan9
— unofficial official gabe fan club (@elyankeelover) March 1, 2023
Definitely in mid season form the lineup is hit less one time around
— Daniel Karp (@DanielKarp11) March 1, 2023
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yankees in true mid season form today
— •JD• (@Jdchosen77) March 1, 2023
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Do you think Donaldson will come out strong as the season progresses? Or will he continue to disappoint as he did in 2022? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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