A’s Trade Josh Donaldson to Blue Jays
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Mike McGinnis/Getty Images(OAKLAND, Ca.) — Friday, the Oakland Athletics traded third baseman Josh Donaldson to the Toronto Blue Jays for third baseman Brett Lawrie.
Donaldson, 29, is considered one of the best players in baseball. He has a WAR (Wins Above Replacement) rating second only to Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim outfielder Mike Trout.
The A’s also acquired right-hander Kendall Graveman, left-hander Sean Nolin and minor league shortstop Franklin Barreto.
“We addressed a lot of areas we thought we needed filled from our organizational standpoint,” said Billy Beane, general manager of the Athletics.
Lawrie, 24, is considered a promising talent, but has been unable to remain healthy. A player with plus power, average and on-base skills, Lawrie has played in only 345 games the last four seasons, with a high of 125 in 2012.
Oakland appears to be in a rebuilding phase after going all-in last season by acquiring pitchers Jon Lester, Jeff Samardzjia and Jason Hammel. The team fell flat in the playoffs losing in the Wild Card to the Kansas City Royals.
The A’s have also acquired designated hitter Billy Butler and first baseman Ike Davis this offseason.
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