Yankees release former AL MVP Josh Donaldson amidst struggles, injuries in Bronx

The New York Yankees have released former American League MVP Josh Donaldson.

Donaldson, 37, has had a rocky two-year stint in the Bronx, and was hitting just .142 in 34 games during an injury-plagued 2023 season. He missed time earlier in the year with a hamstring injury and had not played a game since suffering a calf strain July 15 in Colorado.

A three-time All-Star and the AL MVP in 2015 with the Toronto Blue Jays, Donaldson led the league that season with 122 runs scored and 123 RBI, helping carry the Jays to the AL Championship Series. He enjoyed productive seasons in Atlanta and Minnesota before he was traded to the Yankees in March 2022.

In New York, Donaldson struggled with injuries and deteriorating skills. He hit .222 last season with 15 homers and a career-low .374 slugging percentage in 132 games.

This season, he lasted one week on the active roster before going on the injured list with a strained hamstring. After a couple of setbacks, he hit two home runs in his return to the active roster on June 2, but went back on the IL shortly after the All-Star break with a calf injury.

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He's making $21.75 million in 2023 and the Yankees will be responsible for an $8 million buyout of his 2024 club option. If Donaldson is signed by another team before Aug. 31, he would be eligible to play for that club in the postseason.

In two combined seasons with the Yankees, Donaldson posted a .207/.293/.385 slash line with 25 homers and 77 RBI in 165 games.