The Atlanta Braves enjoyed their improbable Postseason run this past year, but their inexperience and young age got to them in October. They began the process of fixing that by adding two veterans on Monday, including one that is very familiar with the team. First, the team is hoping to get the MVP status that Josh Donaldson played with in Toronto a few years back, signing the third baseman to a $23 million contract. That deal is for just one year and is pending a physical, as the 2015 American League MVP is coming off an injury-filled season that saw him get traded from the Blue Jays to the Cleveland Indians.
Donaldson joined the Indians at the August 31st waiver deadline and played just 16 games with them, before being added to their Postseason roster. The Tribe was eliminated in the ALDS, where the third baseman was held to just one hit. The 32-year-old ended last season with a combined .246 average, eight home runs, and 23 RBIs in 52 games. He missed over three months due to a calf injury, as he was dealt to the Indians while still recovering from the ailment.
Although, he does have a lot of power in him when healthy, as the three-time All-Star led the league with 41 home runs and 123 RBIs during his MVP season. He has been productive outside of that year as well, recording a .270 average with 33 home runs and 78 RBIs during an injury-shortened 2017 season. Donaldson also put up 37 home runs and 99 RBIs in 2016. There is not yet word on how much he will be used in Atlanta, but either way, his veteran experience is bound to help the young stars on the team develop in to championship-caliber athletes.
Meanwhile, the Braves brought back catcher Brian McCann on a one-year, $2 million contract after the veteran had stints with the New York Yankees and Houston Astros. He brought home his first World Series ring in Houston, but has now returned home, as the announcement was made by the team on Monday. McCann said on returning to Atlanta for his second stint with the team "it feels right." He will be able to wear his old No. 16, which he thanked Charlie Culberson for giving up after wearing that same number during the 2018 season.
McCann played with the Braves from 2005 to 2013 and made seven All-Star teams, all while making a home with his wife and two kids in Atlanta. The 34-year-old signed a five-year deal with the Yankees after leaving the Braves, and was then dealt to the Astros with the emergence of Gary Sanchez. He is coming off an injury-riddled down season where he hit just .212 with seven home runs and 23 RBIs in just 63 games. He did miss about two months of playing time after undergoing surgery on his knee in July. The move for the Braves comes after they lost Kurt Suzuki, who signed a two-year deal with the Washington Nationals. McCann will share playing time with Tyler Flowers behind the plate, as they operate a Braves' rotation that is expected to look a little different with the Braves targeting their staff in free agency.
Donaldson joined the Indians at the August 31st waiver deadline and played just 16 games with them, before being added to their Postseason roster. The Tribe was eliminated in the ALDS, where the third baseman was held to just one hit. The 32-year-old ended last season with a combined .246 average, eight home runs, and 23 RBIs in 52 games. He missed over three months due to a calf injury, as he was dealt to the Indians while still recovering from the ailment.
Although, he does have a lot of power in him when healthy, as the three-time All-Star led the league with 41 home runs and 123 RBIs during his MVP season. He has been productive outside of that year as well, recording a .270 average with 33 home runs and 78 RBIs during an injury-shortened 2017 season. Donaldson also put up 37 home runs and 99 RBIs in 2016. There is not yet word on how much he will be used in Atlanta, but either way, his veteran experience is bound to help the young stars on the team develop in to championship-caliber athletes.
Meanwhile, the Braves brought back catcher Brian McCann on a one-year, $2 million contract after the veteran had stints with the New York Yankees and Houston Astros. He brought home his first World Series ring in Houston, but has now returned home, as the announcement was made by the team on Monday. McCann said on returning to Atlanta for his second stint with the team "it feels right." He will be able to wear his old No. 16, which he thanked Charlie Culberson for giving up after wearing that same number during the 2018 season.
McCann played with the Braves from 2005 to 2013 and made seven All-Star teams, all while making a home with his wife and two kids in Atlanta. The 34-year-old signed a five-year deal with the Yankees after leaving the Braves, and was then dealt to the Astros with the emergence of Gary Sanchez. He is coming off an injury-riddled down season where he hit just .212 with seven home runs and 23 RBIs in just 63 games. He did miss about two months of playing time after undergoing surgery on his knee in July. The move for the Braves comes after they lost Kurt Suzuki, who signed a two-year deal with the Washington Nationals. McCann will share playing time with Tyler Flowers behind the plate, as they operate a Braves' rotation that is expected to look a little different with the Braves targeting their staff in free agency.
