Josh Donaldson Would Make LA Angels Lineup Elite

Last offseason, the LA Angels had a disastrous offseason. Meanwhile, Josh Donaldson had a hard time finding a deal worth taking last winter. The two parties can come together and make sure neither of those scenarios take place again this December.

While I know the LA Angels will invest the majority of their salary space this offseason to bringing in top-tier pitching help, there is a case to be made for upgrading their offense. Last year, before injuries derailed their season, the Halo offense was one of the best in the league. They had consistency throughout the lineup, but lacked that one additional superstar hitter to boost them to the next level.

Josh Donaldson is just what they need. He played a significant role in the Atlanta Braves’ breakout season, and proved to everyone in the MLB that he is still healthy and remains an exceptional hitter. What most don’t know is that Donaldson not only brings significant pop in the batter’s box, but provides phenomenal defense at third base as well.

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While the fit may seem unnatural, it’s relatively simple to imagine how Donaldson would fit in on the Angels. Remember, Shohei Ohtani will be returning to the mound next season, which opens up designated hitter at-bats. On those days, I think it’s safe to say Albert Pujols will be the DH. That opens up first base, where Donaldson would quite literally be the best defensive first baseman in the league.

On days when Ohtani is hitting, it get’s a little cloudier. Donaldson is an everyday player, and would presumably be the starting third baseman on those days. It then boils down to whether you’d rather have Tommy La Stella or Brian Goodwin in the lineup. David Fletcher could play second base or right field, depending on who you’d rather have between La Stella and Goodwin.

Do the Angels absolutely need Josh Donaldson? No. While it is true the need for the Bringer of Rain isn’t as dire as the desperation for elite level starting pitchers, that doesn’t mean the move should be shaken off and forgotten about. If the Angels can’t sign two front of the rotation arms, why not pivot to Donaldson and give the team both an elite offensive lineup and defensive unit?

Southern Californai doesn’t get much rainfall. But Josh Donaldson has brought the rain his entire career. Maybe he can cause an El Niño next season in Anaheim.