Josh Donaldson heads into season with no regrets, excited to start his new baseball journey in Minnesota

Josh Donaldson had a fun time in Atlanta in 2019. As a member of the Braves, he bounced back in the biggest way, posting a .259 batting average, .379 on-base percentage, 37 homers, and 94 RBI in 155 games.

It resulted in the All-Star third baseman cashing in with a big four-year, $92 million contract in free agency, but it wasn’t with the team he anticipated. He let it be known publicly that he really hoped on returning to the Braves, but for whatever reason, that hope did not come to fruition. He ended up signing with the Minnesota Twins, returning back to the American League where he previously enjoyed stints with the Oakland Athletics and Toronto Blue Jays.

He still isn’t entirely sure why things didn’t work out in Atlanta, but does not have any bad feelings towards the franchise.

“I was a little surprised in how it worked…[The Braves] obviously had a game plan. I can’t comment on what their game plan was because I don’t know.” said Donaldson.

“At the end of the day, I know they have guys who are very capable of playing third base. So, I had the understanding to a certain point of either signing me or going [in] a different direction. That’s OK. That’s the game we’re in.”

He knew he had to avoid thinking about others, and do what was best for his well being and future. And that path took him to Minnesota.

“I knew they were going to have that capability to go out, compete and win again. So, for me, I had to make sure I was doing what was right for me and my family.”

The 34-year old, who is entering his 10th MLB season, has a career .373/.464/.819 slash line with 10 homers in 22 career games at Target Field, the home field of his new team. So history suggests he will flourish in their big hitting lineup. Only time will tell.