The Atlanta Braves will indeed have a dilemma on their hands this Winter – the same problem they had after the 2012 season when Chipper Jones retired: how to replace Josh Donaldson‘s performance.
The easy solution is to throw enough money and years at him to coax a return engagement. But there’s a couple of problems with that:
- Such a contract would have impacts on other team needs
- He still could spurn the offer and opt to go elsewhere
Premium hot-corner men have been in short supply lately as evidenced by these numbers: Manny Machado got his $300 million contract last season; Nolan Arenado is likewise signed up for $260 million… which is probably in the immediate neighborhood of where Anthony Rendon will be driving in stakes this Winter.