Mariners Trade Proposal: Calling the Twins about Josh Donaldson

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SEATTLE – JUNE 16: Josh Donaldson #20 of the Minnesota Twins bats during the game against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on June 16, 2021 in Seattle, Washington. The Twins defeated the Mariners 7-2. (Photo by Rob Leiter/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /

I have to admit. Doing trade proposals is fun. I’ve always enjoyed thinking of ways to potentially improve my favorite teams. Whether it’s through playing video games or writing about it, it’s a fun exercise. Plus, it keeps the mind active during the winter, especially during the labor stoppage/lockout. It’s why I asked the folks at Puckett’s Pond to help me out on a Mariners trade with the Twins for Josh Donaldson.

We did one back in October, but that was a multi-player trade. This one is looking at just Josh Donaldson coming to the Mariners and making a return to the AL West. It’s been a while since he left Oakland, all the way back in 2014.

He’s a different player now, and that should be expected from someone who just finished up his age-35 season at the hot corner, now notching a full decade at the position. He’s still a good player though, and someone that could definitely help the Mariners.

The Twins are in a bit of a weird spot. They could definitely make a splash and get into contender mode in the AL Central. They’ve got Byron Buxton, after all. However, with a potential lack of talent or inexperience elsewhere, they could just as easily try a quick rebuild to still take advantage of Buxton.

We went back and forth a bit on it, and ended up coming up with two different options on how to make the trade. Let’s get to the first one that we agreed on.

CLEVELAND, OHIO – JUNE 11: Justin Dunn #35 of the Seattle Mariners pitches during a game between the Cleveland Indians and Seattle Mariners at Progressive Field on June 11, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /

One of the first things that got brought up when we were talking about the trade was Donaldson’s contract. He is owed $21 million in 2022, $21 million in 2023, and has a $16 million club option with an $8 million buyout in 2024.

It’s where the $5 million per year in the first two years comes from. It knocks it to $16 a year, which seems like a fairly reasonable amount. It’s been an interesting stretch for Donaldson, but I think 2021 is still a fair representation of what you could get from Donaldson. Here are the last three seasons.

2019 – 155 G, 659 PA, .259/.379/.521, 33 2B, 37 HR, 94 RBI, 96 R, 5.4 WAR
2020 – 28 G, 102 PA, .222/.373/.469, 2 2B, 6 HR, 11 RBI, 14 R, 0.6 WAR
2021 – 135 G, 543 PA, .247/.352/.475, 26 2B, 26 HR, 72 RBI, 73 R, 3.2 WAR

There’s even a chance, that on a young and potentially dangerous Mariners team that he has a bit of that 2019 production left, even though I wouldn’t put too much faith in another 5.4 WAR season like 2019.

However, it’s not just the offensive numbers that are important, especially for a third baseman. Over that same time frame, he was a 1.2, 0.0, and 0.1 dWAR at third base. He’s still got average to above-average defense in him, which is important for a low strikeout/high groundball Mariners team.

In return, we give up a bit more due to receiving a bit of money to offset the contract. Puckett’s Pond was looking for some offensive prospects that they could add into their system, which is where Alberto Rodriguez and Patrick Frick come into play. They were also looking for a starting pitcher who could enter into their 2022 rotation, which is why they went for Justin Dunn.

Next up is a bit less return for the Twins, but comes with the Mariners eating the entirety of the contract.

ANAHEIM, CA – SEPTEMBER 25: Justus Sheffield #33 of the Seattle Mariners pitches against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on September 25, 2021 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images) /

Alberto Rodriguez was the main guy that they wanted, so he remains in the deal as well. Just 21 years old, the young outfielder has a nice power/speed combo that he showed off in 2021. In 431 PA at A ball this season, he hit .295/.383/.484 with 10 HR and 13 SB, as well as 30 2B and 5 3B.

Currently the 21st ranked prospect for the Mariners, Rodriguez would probably hop to the 10-13 range for the Twins, with a good potential to jump up again after a strong 2021.

The difference here is that Frick and Dunn are replaced by Sheffield, who still gives the Twins an option for someone to add to their starting rotation in 2022. It wasn’t that long ago that he was a top 50 prospect in all of baseball. The potential and skill is there, but he just needs to get it together.

In 2020, Sheffield threw 55.1 innings in just 10 starts, with a 3.58 ERA and a 3.17 FIP. The walk rate was better too, down to 3.3 BB/9. If you think that Sheffield has that 2020 in him, then the Twins are getting a nice starting pitcher to add to their rotation for years to come.

It can be difficult to judge the difference when you are adding or taking money away from a deal. Either way, the Mariners would be able to get a third baseman that can rake, hit for a fairly decent average, and still play good enough defense to get the job done.

Next. Mariners: A Trade Target From Each A.L. Central Team. dark

How do you feel about these two options? Donaldson would instantly be the experienced vet, and could even be around long enough to potentially block Noelvi Marte. Let us know what you think!

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