Houston Astros: Three players to target before the Aug. 31 deadline
By T.A. Mock
Josh Donaldson, 3B, Toronto Blue Jays
This idea very well may be an overreaction to injuries as well. Correa has been out for over six weeks with a back injury. He just started his rehab assignment with the Corpus Christi Hooks. However, back injuries, unfortunately, have a tendency to be chronic.
If, Lord forbid, Correa’s injury continues to plague to him, a more effective solution may be needed. Enter Donaldson, sure the former MVP has dealt with injuries of his own but, if he comes back, shakes off the dust quickly, and starts raking and Correa or someone else is banged up, Jeff Luhnow needs to pull the trigger.
After a trade for Francisco Liriano last year and Osuna this year, the Blue Jays are very familiar with the Houston Astros farm system. With Donaldson coming off the DL later this month, a deal would need to come together quickly. With both team’s familiarity, it definitely could.
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Adding the former MVP would provide a sweet power stroke to this squad. Donaldson could easily make use of the Crawford Boxes in left field. The extra pop could be exactly what this team needs to overcome an opponent in the playoffs.
Speaking of which, Donaldson also has a great track record in the playoffs just like Murphy. His last shot in the playoffs, in 2016, he absolutely raked in all three series he played in. He only launched one homer but, his average was over .400 and his OPS was over 1.000 for the Blue Jays entire run that year.
Donaldson could provide some solid depth to pair with an excellent bat for this team who could use some extra oomph off of the bench in the playoffs and some spot starts if another injury occurs.