The Milwaukee Brewers signed third baseman Josh Donaldson to a minor-league contract, the team announced Thursday. Here’s what you need to know:
- Donaldson will report to Triple-A Nashville after the Yankees released him Tuesday. He spent less than two seasons in New York.
- In 106 at-bats this season, Donaldson has 15 hits, 10 home runs and 15 RBIs.
- Donaldson could be postseason-eligible since he joined the organization before Thursday’s deadline. The Brewers can activate him any time they deem him ready.
- Milwaukee is currently 74-59, sitting first in the National League Central.
The Athletic’s instant analysis:
When could Donaldson move up to the majors?
Regarding Donaldson’s availability and how soon he could join the Brewers’ major-league roster, keep in mind that the veteran actually is still rehabbing his injury, which he was told was a Grade 2/Grade 3 right calf strain. The Yankees transferred Donaldson to the 60-day injured list on July 20, so he has not played in a game since mid-July.
So, that will give the Brewers some time to assess their roster before potentially plugging him in. Milwaukee eyed Donaldson because their production at third base had waned; Andruw Monasterio has regressed in August, with a .590 OPS for the month. Of importance for a budget-conscious club like the Brewers, the team was going to only owe Donaldson the pro-rated share of the minimum salary. So, he could be a cheap source of offense, or at the very least worth a shot. — Sammon
Backstory
Donaldson has hit .262/.359/.491 in his career with 276 home runs, including 41 homers during his 2015 MVP season with the Toronto Blue Jays. He signed a four-year, $92 million deal with the Minnesota Twins in free agency in 2020 before joining the Yankees in 2022.
The 37-year-old slashed .142/.225/.434 before the injury this season.
Required reading
(Photo: Cliff Welch / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
