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When the New York Yankees acquired Josh Donaldson earlier than the 2022 season, they anticipated a minimum of a repeat of his 2021 efficiency with the Minnesota Twins.
That 12 months, he hit 26 residence runs, had an .827 OPS, and performed sturdy protection at third base.
However the Yanks didn’t suppose the age issue would power a pointy decline so out of the blue.
In 2022 with New York, he hit solely 15 homers, and his OPS fell off dramatically to .682.
The 2015 American League MVP struck out greater than ever earlier than, and the issue turned much more evident within the playoffs in opposition to elite pitching.
A former star, Donaldson regarded overmatched at 37 years previous final season.
His supervisor, Aaron Boone, sees some hope, although.
“‘I believe you’re loopy to suppose {that a} bounce-back shouldn’t be in there offensively.’ Aaron Boone discusses why he thinks Josh Donaldson can have a greater 12 months this season,” SNY Yankees tweeted.
“I believe you are loopy to suppose {that a} bounce-back shouldn’t be in there offensively.”
Aaron Boone discusses why he thinks Josh Donaldson can have a greater 12 months this season: pic.twitter.com/3QMNs8qDpb
— Yankees Movies (@snyyankees) February 21, 2023
Boone is likely to be proper: there might be some kind of bounce-back marketing campaign in Donaldson’s bat.
It’s arduous to see him surpassing .800 OPS once more, although.
Given his defensive worth, the Yankees must be blissful if he returns to the .770-.790 OPS vary.
That also might not be sufficient to carry off higher alternate options to play third base for the Yankees, although, akin to DJ LeMahieu and Oswaldo Cabrera.
The 2023 marketing campaign will in all probability be Donaldson’s final in pinstripes as a result of he has an costly possibility for 2024 that’s unlikely to be picked up.
Nonetheless, he has the motivation of incomes a pleasant contract if he performs nicely in 2023.
The Yankees actually received’t complain if that’s the case.
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