WOEFUL YANKEES AX AWFUL, OVER-THE-HILL DONALDSON!
Bh Jerry Wein
The last-place Yankees released third baseman Josh Donaldson, ending the former American League MVP’s disappointing tenure.
Donaldson, 37, was acquired from the Minnesota Twins in a trade shortly after the end of the lockout in March 2022. Despite the $50 million remaining on the final two years of his contract — $21 million for 2022 and 2023, plus an $8 million buyout on a 2024 option — the Yankees hoped the three-time All-Star could stabilize the third-base position and bolster their offense.
Following a tough 2022 season in which he finished with a .222/.308/.374 slash line, Donaldson was plagued by injury and ineffectiveness this year. In 33 games, he hit 10 home runs but batted .142/.225/.434.
The last time the New York Yankees finished last in the AL East, Derek Jeter was a junior in high school.
It’s been a while. 😳 pic.twitter.com/mCfo2am2Vk
— Odds Shark (@OddsShark) August 29, 2023
The Yankees placed Donaldson on the injured list from April 5 to June 2 because of a strained right hamstring. A strained calf sidelined Donaldson in mid-July, and New York placed him on the 60-day injured list, figuring he would miss most of the season.
