As anticipated, the rebuild of the Toronto Blue Jays has begun as the team has traded star third baseman Josh Donaldson to the Cleveland Indians in exchange for a player to be named later.

OFFICIAL: We will receive a player to be named later from the @Indians in exchange for 3B Josh Donaldson.

— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) September 1, 2018

Cleveland Indians Acquire Josh Donaldson

Player Profile

Donaldson was drafted in the first round by the Chicago Cubs with the 48th overall pick of the 2007 MLB Draft and would wait until 2010 to make his MLB debut. But it would not be with the Cubs as Donaldson, along with pitcher Sean Gallagher, and leftfielders Matt Murton and Eric Patterson, was traded to the Oakland Athletics. In exchange, the Cubs acquired pitchers Chad Gaudin and Rich Harden. Donaldson wouldn’t play in many games in 2010 and would proceed to spend the entire 2011 season with the Athletics Triple-A affiliate. In 2013, Donaldson began to show the promise as he finished 4th in MVP voting. During the 2014 season, he would make his first All-Star game and finish 8th in MVP voting.

That would be Donaldson’s last season in an Athletics uniform as he would be traded once again to the Blue Jays. In exchange, the Athletics acquired shortstop Franklin Barreto, pitchers Kendall Graveman and Sean Nolin, and third baseman Brett Lawrie. In his first season in Toronto, Donaldson would win the AL MVP. During his time in Toronto, Donaldson made two All-Star teams and won two Silver Slugger awards. During the season so far, Donaldson is hitting a .234 batting average with five home runs and sixteen RBI.

Trade Analysis

This is the clear signal that the Blue Jays have started their long anticipated rebuild. The move that gave that indication was the trade of Steve Pearce to the Boston Red Sox, but Donaldson was the big name that was going to be moved. Not to mention that Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is not too far off from getting the third base starting job. With his injury history this season, this is a high-risk high reward situation for the Indians. If Donaldson can turn back to his MVP form, this could be a great deal. Regardless, this move may be a sign that it will be a bumpy ride for Blue Jays fans.
Embed from Getty Images