Things did not go well for Josh Donaldson in 2022, his first season with the New York Yankees.
After a solid 2021 in Minnesota, he struggled in the Bronx and was below-average offensively, per his 97 wRC+ (100 is league-average performance).
He did show a solid glove, but struck out a lot and was a liability in the playoffs.
The Yankees showed some faith in him by committing to him as the solution at third base, at least to start the year.
The beginning of spring training was rough for him, but he appears to be turning things around and could actually be ready to return to being an above-average offensive contributor.
He will not return to his 2015 MVP form, because he is 37 and declining.
But he could potentially return to being a threat to hit 25 home runs.
That would make the Yanks very happy.
He hit two home runs in Tuesday’s spring action, showing the kind of power stroke needed to succeed in a place like New York.
A two-homer day for Josh Donaldson: https://t.co/WRodnk7GAZ
— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) March 21, 2023
The power outburst took his spring training line to .226/.314/.548 with three blasts and a .862 OPS.
It’s safe to expect a higher OBP and a lower slugging percentage when the season starts.
The burning question will be if he can at least return to his 2021 form.
That year, he hit 26 home runs as opposed to just 15 last season.
If he can keep his OPS close to .800, the Yankees will have more time to find a long-term solution at third base.
If he keeps struggling, they will be forced to play DJ LeMahieu or Oswaldo Cabrera there.
NEXT: A Yankees Reliever Is Making Noise This Spring
