The case for trading Josh Donaldson

Josh Donaldson has been the best Blue Jays player the past two seasons. Donaldson was the AL MVP in 2015 and in 2016 had another good season. It isn't just Josh's offence that makes him great, he is a solid defensive player and a team leader. But, the offense is fantastic.

Window is closed

If Edwin Encarnacion and Jose Bautista leave in free agency it makes sense to trade Donaldson. If Shapiro and Atkins believe this team can't win, it makes sense to blow it up. The Blue Jays need to look to the future and acquire the most assets and keep controllable young talent (ie, Osuna, Stroman, Sanchez etc) The Jays window may be closed and if it is: why keep Donaldson?

Re-Stock the farm system and get young talent

Since the Jays blew up their farm system with the big trades with the Mets and Marlins and the 2015 trades with the Tigers and Rockies, they have been building the farm system back up again. Trading Donaldson could help build up the system.

However prospects may not come to fruition. The Jays could trade Donaldson for young players who are already in the big leagues.  The World Series Champions Chicago Cubs are filled with controllable young talent. The Jays should look to do the same with their roster as they already have young pitchers.

Fill a position of need

Trading Donaldson could fetch the Jays a big package which could include players that could fill positions of need. They have prospect Vlad Guerrero Jr. coming up the system and playing third base. They could trade Donaldson, fill in the outfield and then sign a veteran third baseman to hold the job for two to three years to hold it over until Guerrero is ready to take over.

They can change the right-handed heaviness of the lineup

The Jays had a very right-hand heavy offense. With Donaldson, Bautista, Encarnacion, Tulowitzki, Martin, Pillar and Travis it is amazing that the Jays ever saw a left-handed pitcher. The Jays can trade Josh to make more balance in the lineup.

Trade him while is value is highest

The best reason to trade Josh is that his value will never be higher. He has two more seasons of team control before he becomes a free agent and will be looking for a big payday. Whoever gives him that big contract will be paying a lot of money to buy his declining years. If we don't plan on being the one to sign him to that big contract, there isn't a better moment than now to move him.

Do you think the Blue Jays should trade Donaldson? Have your say below.