Can you turn the clock back about six months? That's the point where the Atlanta Braves were in this tense 4-way staredown between themselves, the Washington Nationals, Minnesota Twins, and free agent Josh Donaldson.
The Nationals were the first team to throw in the towel. Their third base solution ended up being "internal" (Carter Kieboom) with support available from Asdrubal Cabrera and perhaps Howie Kendrick. Much cheaper.
The Braves and Twins stubbornly stayed in this battle until the end, when the Twins ponied-up big: $21 million per year for 4 seasons with a club option for a fifth year at $16 million -- with the likely outcome being that the $8 million buyout clause is selected instead.