Braves Sign Donaldson, McCann to One-Year Deals

On November 26, the Atlanta Braves made two major unexpected offseason signings.

Late Monday morning, the team announced that long-time former Braves catcher Brian McCann will be returning to Atlanta on a one year, $2 million contract. McCann, 34, spent his first nine Major League seasons with the Braves and immediately became an all-time fan favorite, making seven All-Star teams and winning six Silver Slugger awards in Atlanta. While his performance has regressed with age over the past few seasons, he is still an undeniably valuable veteran leader, and with the departure of Kurt Suzuki, he will most likely split playing time with Tyler Flowers behind the dish.

Just a few hours later, the Braves followed up the McCann signing with the announcement of a one year, $23 million contract for 2015 American League MVP Josh Donaldson. Before an injury-riddled 2018 season, the slugging third baseman was one of the league’s very best hitters, averaging 37 home runs per season from 2015-2017. This deal was particularly surprising to many, as the Braves have had a long history of avoiding blockbuster free agent signings, and it is unclear exactly how the Braves will play Donaldson in 2019. Before the 2018 season, many people were pointing to the third base position as a glaring weak spot for Atlanta. However, with the emergence of Johan Camargo as a legitimate offensive threat (.272/.349/.457 in 2018), the team will have to make some tough decisions on how to position the starting lineup. Camargo can play shortstop, but it seems unlikely that the Braves will give up on current shortstop Dansby Swanson so soon. There is still an open slot in right field, but converting either Camargo or Donaldson to a corner outfield position could prove to be a major defensive sacrifice. Camargo could be used as a go-to bench bat, but this could ultimately be a massive waste of one of the team’s best run producers.

No matter what happens, this is an excellent deal for the Braves. Entering his age 33 season, Donaldson is aging and could potentially experience some regression, but if that is the case, the Braves are in a position where it would not hurt them. The deal is only for one year, and even though they are spending $23 million for one year of service, they are not making any sort of long term commitment. Despite the high price tag, this is a low risk, high reward move for Atlanta, adding an elite, MVP-caliber player to a lineup that is already one of the most explosive in the league. With a few more upgrades to the bullpen, the Braves could very well be the team to beat in the National League next season.

By Jaden Ellman