The New York Yankees have finally given fans what they have been calling for by releasing veteran third baseman and former American League MVP Josh Donalson, ending a brutal tenure with the organization, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
Donaldson, 37, was acquired during a March 2022 trade with the Minnesota Twins.
As the Yankees flesh out the remainder days of a disappointing season that has them sitting in last place of the AL East Division, the team also placed veteran outfielder Harrison Bader on waivers Tuesday.
Bader, 29, was acquired in a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals for left-hander Jordan Montgomery last season.
Donaldson has $50 million remaining on the final two years of his contract — $21 million for 2022 and 2023, plus an $8 million buyout on a 2024 option.
Donaldson, who had become the ire of Yankee fans on social media, posted a .222/.308/.374 slash line in 2022. However, as bad as 2022 was things got worse in 2023 with Donaldson plagued by injury and issues at the plate, hitting 10 home runs and posting a .142/.225/.434 slash line.
