Baseball teams have dropped $316.6 million on free-agent third basemen this offseason — and Josh Donaldson hasn't even inked a deal yet.
The bulk of the loot has been spent on two players: Anthony Rendon ($245 million, Angels) and Mike Moustakas ($64 million, Reds).
The Braves added Donaldson in 2019 on a one-year, $23 million deal. He hit 37 homers and knocked in 94 runs last season, earning Comeback Player of the Year honors with Atlanta.
» MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM: Braves must spend more to win
The Braves are reportedly among four teams still in the hunt for the 34-year-old Donaldson, with reports now suggest the onetime AL MVP is seeking a four-year, $110 million deal.
The $27.5 million annual asking price would make Donaldson the third-best paid player at the position:
1. Nolan Arenado, Colorado: $35 million
2. Manny Machado, San Diego: $32 million
3. Anthony Rendon, Anaheim: $26.07 million
4. Justin Turner, Los Angeles: $20 million
5. Kyle Seager, Seattle: $19.5 million
On the Braves, Donaldson would be the team's highest-paid player (before arbitration settlements) in 2020:
1. Freddie Freeman, 1B: $22 million
2. Cole Hamels, SP: $18 million
3. Mark Melancon, RP: $14 million
4. Will Smith, RP: $13 million
5. Travis d'Arnaud, C: $8 million
Atlanta has already spent nearly $100 million on seven players.
So what should the Braves do?
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