Josh Donaldson is one of the top third basemen in Major League Baseball, known for his power hitting and strong defensive skills. In 2019, he signed a lucrative contract with the Minnesota Twins that made him one of the highest-paid players in the league.
But just how much is he being paid? In this blog post, we’ll break down the details of Donaldson’s contract, including his annual salary and guaranteed money. We’ll also compare his contract to other notable MLB salaries to see how it stacks up.
Whether you’re a diehard Twins fan or just curious about the economics of baseball, you won’t want to miss this analysis of Josh Donaldson’s compensation.
Overview of Josh Donaldson’s Contract
Background Information: Josh Donaldson is a 36-year-old third baseman who has played in the Major Leagues since 2010. He’s known for his excellent hitting and fielding abilities, having won the American League MVP award in 2015 while playing for the Toronto Blue Jays.
Before signing with the Minnesota Twins, he played for the Oakland Athletics, Toronto Blue Jays, Cleveland Indians, and Atlanta Braves.
Why He Was Signed to the Twins: In January 2020, Josh Donaldson signed a four-year, $92 million contract with the Minnesota Twins. The Twins were looking for an experienced, power-hitting third baseman to bolster their offense and defense.
Donaldson was a good fit for their needs, having hit 37 home runs and 94 RBIs during the 2019 season with the Atlanta Braves.
Terms of the Contract: Donaldson’s contract with the Twins is worth $92 million over four years, with an annual average salary of $23 million.
The contract includes $92 million in guaranteed money, meaning that Donaldson will earn that amount even if he does not play all four years of the contract due to injury or other reasons.
The contract’s length means that Donaldson will be with the Twins until the end of the 2023 season. In addition to his base salary, he may also earn performance-based incentives, such as additional money for hitting certain numbers of home runs or RBIs in a season.
Overall, Josh Donaldson’s contract with the Minnesota Twins is one of the biggest in baseball, reflecting his status as one of the best third basemen in the league.
It’s a significant investment for the Twins, but one that they hope will pay off in terms of better offensive production and stronger defense.
Josh Donaldson’s Salary in 2023
In 2023, which is the third year of his four-year contract with the Minnesota Twins, Josh Donaldson is set to earn a base salary of $21 million. This means that he will receive $21 million regardless of his performance on the field or any bonuses he may earn.
In addition to his base salary, Donaldson may also earn performance-based incentives or bonuses.
The exact terms of these incentives are not publicly known, but they may include things like hitting a certain number of home runs or RBIs, playing in a certain number of games, or winning awards like the Gold Glove or Silver Slugger.
It’s worth noting that Donaldson’s salary is quite high compared to the average Major League Baseball player, even in a league where multi-million dollar contracts are common.
However, given his track record of success and the value he brings to the Twins both on the field and in terms of fan engagement, the team likely views his salary as a worthwhile investment.
Overall, Josh Donaldson’s $21 million base salary in 2023 is a significant sum of money, reflecting his status as one of the best players in baseball.
However, the Twins likely hope that his production on the field will justify the expense and help them achieve success both in the short term and the long term.
Comparison to Other Mlb Salaries
Sure! Here’s a comparison of Josh Donaldson’s contract to other notable MLB contracts:
Mike Trout – $426.5 million over 12 years with the Los Angeles Angels (annual average salary of $35.5 million)
Gerrit Cole – $324 million over 9 years with the New York Yankees (annual average salary of $36 million)
Bryce Harper – $330 million over 13 years with the Philadelphia Phillies (annual average salary of $25.4 million)
Manny Machado – $300 million over 10 years with the San Diego Padres (annual average salary of $30 million)
Mookie Betts – $365 million over 12 years with the Los Angeles Dodgers (annual average salary of $30.4 million)
Compared to these other contracts, Josh Donaldson’s contract is relatively shorter in length and lower in annual average salary. However, his contract is still substantial, with $92 million in guaranteed money over four years and an annual average salary of $23 million.
In terms of length, Donaldson’s contract is similar to Machado’s, which is also for 10 years, while Trout’s, Harper’s, Cole’s, and Betts’s contracts are all longer.
In terms of annual average salary, Donaldson’s contract is lower than Trout’s, Cole’s, and Betts’s, but higher than Harper’s and Machado’s.
Overall, while Josh Donaldson’s contract is not the biggest in baseball, it still puts him among the highest-paid players in the league.
The fact that he’s in the same ballpark as other elite players like Trout, Cole, Harper, Machado, and Betts is a testament to his value on the field and his ability to command a significant salary.
Josh Donaldson’s contract to some other notable MLB contracts:
| Player | Team | Length | Guaranteed Money | Annual Average Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mike Trout | Los Angeles Angels | 12 years | $426.5 million | $35.5 million |
| Bryce Harper | Philadelphia Phillies | 13 years | $330 million | $25.4 million |
| Manny Machado | San Diego Padres | 10 years | $300 million | $30 million |
| Gerrit Cole | New York Yankees | 9 years | $324 million | $36 million |
| Josh Donaldson | Minnesota Twins | 4 years | $92 million | $23 million |
The table compares the contracts of Josh Donaldson to those of some of the highest-paid players in baseball, including Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, Manny Machado, and Gerrit Cole. It shows the length of each contract, the amount of guaranteed money, and the annual average salary for each player.
While Donaldson’s contract is relatively shorter in length and lower in annual average salary compared to the other contracts, it still represents a substantial investment by the Twins, and places him among the highest-paid players in the league.
FAQ
What is Josh Donaldson’s contract with the Minnesota Twins?
Josh Donaldson signed a four-year contract with the Minnesota Twins in January 2020, worth $92 million in guaranteed money. The contract includes an annual average salary of $23 million.
How much is Josh Donaldson earning in 2023?
In 2023, the third year of his contract with the Twins, Josh Donaldson is set to earn a base salary of $21 million.
Does Josh Donaldson’s contract include any bonuses or incentives?
Yes, Josh Donaldson’s contract may include performance-based incentives or bonuses, although the exact terms of these incentives are not publicly known.
How does Josh Donaldson’s contract compare to other MLB contracts?
Compared to other notable MLB contracts, Josh Donaldson’s contract is relatively shorter in length and lower in annual average salary. However, his contract is still substantial, with $92 million in guaranteed money over four years and an annual average salary of $23 million.
Why did the Twins sign Josh Donaldson to such a large contract?
The Twins likely signed Josh Donaldson to such a large contract because of his track record of success on the field and his ability to attract fans to the ballpark. Donaldson is a former MVP and a three-time All-Star, and he’s known for his power hitting and strong defense. By signing Donaldson, the Twins hoped to improve their chances of winning games and competing for championships, as well as to generate excitement among fans.
To Recap
Josh Donaldson’s contract with the Minnesota Twins is a significant investment for the team, with $92 million in guaranteed money over four years and an annual average salary of $23 million.
While his contract is not the biggest in baseball, it still puts him among the highest-paid players in the league and reflects his status as one of the best players in the game.
Comparing Donaldson’s contract to other notable MLB contracts shows that he’s in the same ballpark as other elite players in terms of salary, even though his contract is relatively shorter in length and lower in annual average salary.
As he enters the third year of his contract in 2023, Donaldson is set to earn a base salary of $21 million, and he may also earn performance-based incentives or bonuses.
The Twins will be counting on him to continue to produce on the field and help the team achieve success both in the short term and the long term.
