Josh Donaldson and the Blue Jays open their season this afternoon against the Orioles. We’ve got all the bases covered as they shoot for a third straight playoff berth
A hitter always trying to improve might take his team with him
Josh Donaldson’s name has already been a part of the most successful seasons the Blue Jays have had since their World Series glory a quarter of a century ago.
He arrived from Oakland in 2015, gave Toronto its first American League most valuable player since George Bell in 1987, and helped turn the dreams of a return to the post-season into reality, with appearances in the American League Championship Series both years.
There’s no questioning his impact, and there’s little doubt how much the Jays will count on him in 2017. The question is whether he remains in Toronto beyond 2018, assuming he reaches free agency without the Jays locking him up long term.
That possible departure is still two full seasons away but, unlike the relatively quiet markets for Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion this off-season, most major-league teams will be lining up for a potential star-studded free-agent class of Donaldson, Manny Machado and Bryce Harper.
Donaldson will be 33 in the winter of 2018, and the Jays will likely still have money tied up in catcher Russell Martin and shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, so there may be front-office discussions on whether the Jays will be willing to pony up for the third baseman.
But while the Jays, and everyone else, shied away from 30-homer-plus power hitters this winter, Donaldson should be an exception to the rule.
He is one of the game’s offensive models. Former Yankees great Reggie Jackson, now a senior adviser in the Bronx, sought out Donaldson in spring training to learn about new swing logistics.
That was just one example of Donaldson and the level he has reached in the game. His MVP status and a career 32.5 WAR (wins above replacement) are indicative of his elite status among majorleaguers but it is his dedication to improving himself that impresses most.
The Jays expect him to lead them to another post-season run in 2017.
“Watching J.D. take the field every day, the intensity and passion he plays with, sets the tone for younger guys either on our team, or in the organization,” Tulowitzki said. “He has a big personality, he definitely has fun, but he locks in when it comes time to play.
“What people don’t see is how he talks about the game. People like myself, I like to talk about the game . . . J.D. has gained a lot of knowledge, and he shares it with others.”
Donaldson brings an intriguing mix: intensely competitive, fearless, intelligent, and outspoken when he needs to be.
“He’s one of the smartest hitters in our room,” infielder Ryan Goins said. “He knows himself inside out but he challenges you with things that work for you, and he challenges you in ways not many can.
“He’s battled through injuries, and in my opinion, that’s helped our team take that step . . . playing through injuries. But Josh is there all the time, when it’s going good or bad, and he’s not afraid to tell you that you suck right now, and you need to make adjustments. If something is wrong, ask the question and make yourself better, and make the team better, and that’s what Josh is about.”
Donaldson certainly feels he can get better after winning the MVP award in 2015 and finishing fourth last year. His numbers in two seasons with the Jays, though — a. 291 average, a .946 OPS, 78 homers and 222 RBIs — will be tough to improve on.
“One hundred per cent, I believe I can,” Donaldson said. “If I stay healthy and if I continue to do the things I’m doing, and strive to get better, then I think I can get better . . . numbers-wise, and just helping us win more.”
Several top shelf analytics sites, like Zips, CAIRO and others, project Donaldson to drop slightly this season from his 2016 performance — fewer at-bats, fewer runs, a lower OPS. Donaldson knows his numbers, but doesn’t dwell on them for the purpose of predicting performance.
His time is spent primarily on getting better. Jackson saw it, the Jays’ coaching staff sees it. Donaldson is one of the most research-driven players in the game.
It’s the type of approach and commitment that can truly shape a fran- chise, and a reason the Jays might want to get Donaldson signed long term sooner rather than later.
“(Jackson) was one of the guys — and he may not agree with it — (that) was up there trying to do damage all the time,” Donaldson said. “He struck out a lot but he obviously hit a lot of big time home runs in the postseason.
“For me, personally, its OK to go for a lot of power, but you want to be as good an overall hitter as you can be, and Reggie was one of those guys. I’m striving to be that over my career, and I’m working on it over time.
“It’s what I take pride in.”