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The acquistion of Josh Donaldson early on last offseason certainly turned out well for both himself and the Braves. Coming off a 2018 season that saw him first come down with a case of dead arm early in the season followed by a calf injury that cost him most of his season before he was traded to the Indians, Donaldson bet on himself and the Braves took a bit of a risk when the two sides agreed on a one year, $23 million deal for the 2019 season.
All Donaldson did was post a fantastic bounceback season which saw him slash .259/.379/.521 with 37 home runs and playing excellent defense at third base along the way. Not only did Josh position himself well leading up into free agency this offseason, but he has now been recognized by the fine folks at Sporting News as their National League Comeback Player of the Year.
Josh Donaldson has been named Sporting News' 2019 NL Comeback Player of the Year.
— Sporting News MLB (@sn_mlb) October 23, 2019
The @Braves third baseman bounced back from last year's injuries and put together a career season in 2019.https://t.co/zyAJCE5U1l
To come back from the injuries he suffered last season at his age and thrive in the heart of a really good Braves team’s lineup is remarkable. Arguably more importantly, he did so while playing in 155 games which is his highest total since the 2016 season.
Now, instead of going into the offseason with real injury/durability questions like he did last offseason, Donaldson has a chance at one last multi-year payday after another outstanding season at the plate.