Yankees: What Josh Donaldson’s shocking release says about the state of the team

MLB: Baltimore Orioles at New York Yankees, josh donaldson

The New York Yankees recently made the shocking move of releasing former MVP Josh Donaldson. This decision sparked a range of reactions from the fanbase, as many were not pleased with Donaldson’s performance. Sometimes, when a notable player is released, it can reveal a lot about the team. The Yankees releasing Donaldson conveyed two key points about the organization.

The Yankees are looking ahead to the future

It is clear that the 2023 MLB Season is going nowhere for the Bronx Bombers. They currently find themselves in last place in the AL East with a record of 67-69, putting them under. To prepare for the future, the Yankees have made moves for the future, calling up top prospects, including outfielder Jasson Dominguez and catcher Austin Wells.

These actions indicate that the Yankees are shifting their focus toward the future, likely looking ahead to the next season. The decision to waive Donaldson reflects this strategic move, as it became evident that he was not part of the team’s long-term plans. Given the current situation, this seems like a wise choice for the organization.

MLB: New York Yankees-Workouts

Yankees are hoping to get a big part of their lineup back Monday

Giancarlo Stanton has been sidelined with a hamstring injury after rounding the bases in a game against the Atlanta Braves, […]
Syndication: Courier News
Credit: Sal DiMaggio / USA TODAY NETWORK

Yankees activate exciting outfield prospect off of IL, remains in Triple-A

Jasson Dominguez has been activated off of the Triple-A IL, and while he won’t join the New York Yankees just […]
MLB: Tampa Bay Rays at Toronto Blue Jays
Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Yankees are ‘actively’ targeting help at 3B at the trade deadline

Andy Martino of SNY provided an update on the New York Yankees and their deadline plans, and the three areas […]
MLB: New York Yankees at Tampa Bay Rays
Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

The Yankees need to make a big push for this perfect infield trade target

With the Rays dealing away Randy Arozarena, it’s an indication that players are on the trade block, and the Yankees […]
MLB: Detroit Tigers at Los Angeles Angels, yankees, luis rengifo
Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

3 players the Yankees need to stay far away from at the trade deadline

As the trade deadline approaches, the Yankees need to be active yet cautious, especially with players who could experience major […]
MLB: Milwaukee Brewers at New York Yankees, jasson dominguez
Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

The Yankees might have a new left fielder come September

With the trade deadline just three days away and moves already being made on Thursday night, the Yankees have a […]
MLB: Chicago Cubs at St. Louis Cardinals, yankees
Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Yankees reportedly interested in Cubs starting pitcher

The trade market began to heat up on Thursday night, with the Arizona Diamondbacks acquiring A.J. Puk from the Miami […]
Syndication: The Enquirer, yankees, jonathan india
Credit: Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

Yankees could pursue 2 big-time infield upgrades

It might be hard to believe, but as of Thursday, the New York Yankees don’t have a single infielder with […]
Jul 13, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge (99) greeted by outfielder Juan Soto (22) following his solo home run in the fifth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

Yankees’ Aaron Judge hints at deadline deals from ‘up-top’

As the MLB trade deadline approaches in just four days, the Yankees find themselves with significant work to do. General […]
jonathan india, mets

The Yankees can overhaul leadoff spot with perfect infield trade target

Jonathan India is enjoying an excellent bounce-back campaign with the Reds after struggling from 2022-2023, and the Yankees could be […]

The Yankees are ready to admit they made a mistake

One thing many fans appreciate is when the organizations they root for are willing to admit that they made a mistake. The Yankees releasing Donaldson is a clear example of a team making such an admittance. New York acquired him via trade a few seasons ago, Donaldson has been a tremendous disappointment. Not only due to the number of injuries Donaldson had but also because he has suffered a ton of regression this season.

His production has fallen off a cliff, as he has hit fewer fastballs this season compared to others. Donaldson’s swing has looked different this season, indicating a clear sign of regression.

Donaldson, previously known for how viciously he swings the bat, had been swinging with noticeably less speed this season. No matter what, a change had to be made, and it resulted in the pinstripes parting ways with Donaldson, realizing that keeping him was a mistake.

Looking at Donaldson, it’s unfortunate that his time with the Yankees didn’t pan out as expected. He struggled to find his footing with the team. However, it’s worth noting that he’s not out of the league entirely. He recently signed a deal with the Milwaukee Brewers. Hopefully, he can make a positive impact with them and contribute to the Brewers’ success in winning the NL Central. As for the rest of this season, it is going to be a long one for Yankees fans.

Mentioned in this article:

More about: