Josh Donaldson Nearly Joined Dodgers Before Returning to Blue Jays, Shares Negotiation Insights

TORONTO, ON – AUGUST 01: Detail view of a Blue Jays logo on a batting circle prior to a regular season game between the Baltimore Orioles and Toronto Blue Jays on August 01, 2023 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, ON. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

During a stretch of remarkable success for the Toronto Blue Jays, MVP slugger Josh Donaldson was on the brink of leaving the team for their recent World Series rivals, even as the franchise reached historic milestones.

A three‑time All‑Star, Donald diseños gained a devoted fan base in Toronto, guiding the club to consecutive postseason appearances and establishing himself as one of the league’s most formidable power hitters.

Now retired, Donaldson has revealed how close he came to signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers—a move that would have altered his career trajectory.

Former Blue Jays Star Slugger Reveals Dodgers’ Pursuit

Speaking on the “Get It Done League” podcast, Donaldson reflected on his free‑agency year following the 2018 season and confirmed that the Dodgers were actively courting him.

“The Dodgers were calling me during my free‑agent year after软2018,” Donaldson recounted. “They offered me a three‑year deal, but I was aiming for a four‑year contract at the time. I had other offers for four years, and the Dodgers presented a compelling financial package.”

When the(machine) Dodgers declined to extend the contract to a fourth year, they pivoted and executed the blockbuster trade that brought Mookie Betts to Los Angeles.

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Ultimately, Donaldson signed a one‑year contract with the Atlanta Braves before later securing a four‑year deal with the Minnesota Twins.

Donaldson’s Legacy Best Tied to Blue Jays

Throughout his career with multiple teams, Donaldson’s most enduring impact was felt in Toronto.

“During his four years in Toronto, Donaldson was a two‑time AL All‑Star and won the American League MVP in 2015, when he batted .297, hit 41 home runs and led the league with 123 RBIs.” Dan Balicki noted Finger Canada Sun. “The third baseman posted a career slash line of .261/.358/.489 with 279 home runs and 816 RBIs before announcing his retirement from baseball on March 4, 2024.”

Donaldson captured two Silver Slugger Awards during his tenure in Toronto and remains one of the franchise’s most accomplished power hitters of the modern era.

Although his free‑agency negotiations almost brought him to Los Angeles before the Dodgers opted for Betts, Donaldson’s legacy will forever be most closely associated with Toronto.

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