What Happened to Joshua Adam Donaldson?
Josh Donaldson, a former MLB third baseman and 2015 AL MVP, officially retired from professional baseball on March 4, 2024, after a 13-year career with seven different teams. Since his retirement, he has remained connected to baseball, most notably being inducted into the Auburn Baseball Wall of Fame on May 15, 2026.
Quick Answer
Josh Donaldson retired from Major League Baseball on March 4, 2024, concluding a 13-year career highlighted by his 2015 AL MVP award. He last played for the Milwaukee Brewers in 2023. As of May 2026, Donaldson was inducted into the Auburn Baseball Wall of Fame, recognizing his collegiate career, and has discussed his post-playing life, including his memorabilia collection.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Drafted by Chicago Cubs
Josh Donaldson was selected by the Chicago Cubs in the first round (48th overall) of the MLB Draft after playing college baseball at Auburn University.
MLB Debut with Oakland Athletics
Donaldson made his Major League Baseball debut as a catcher for the Oakland Athletics.
First All-Star Selection
Donaldson earned his first career MLB All-Star selection as a third baseman for the Oakland Athletics.
Traded to Toronto Blue Jays
The Oakland Athletics traded Donaldson to the Toronto Blue Jays, a move that would precede his MVP season.
Wins AL MVP Award
Donaldson was named the American League Most Valuable Player after a stellar season with the Toronto Blue Jays, leading the league in RBIs and runs scored.
Traded to Cleveland Indians
After an injury-plagued season with the Blue Jays, Donaldson was traded to the Cleveland Indians.
Signs with Atlanta Braves
Donaldson signed a one-year, $23 million contract with the Atlanta Braves, where he would have a strong comeback season.
Named NL Comeback Player of the Year
Following a successful season with the Braves, Donaldson was awarded the National League Comeback Player of the Year.
Signs with Minnesota Twins
Donaldson signed a four-year, $92 million contract with the Minnesota Twins.
Traded to New York Yankees
Donaldson was traded to the New York Yankees as part of a multi-player deal.
Released by New York Yankees
After a season impacted by injuries and declining performance, the New York Yankees released Josh Donaldson.
Signs with Milwaukee Brewers
Donaldson signed a minor league contract with the Milwaukee Brewers, making his final MLB appearances with the team.
Announces Retirement from Baseball
Josh Donaldson officially announced his retirement from professional baseball after 13 seasons.
Discusses Retirement and Memorabilia
Donaldson appeared on MLB Network's 'Intentional Talk' to discuss his retirement, playing golf, and his memorabilia collection.
Inducted into Auburn Baseball Wall of Fame
Josh Donaldson was inducted into the Auburn Baseball Wall of Fame, with his No. 4 jersey retired and a hitting lab named in his honor.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Josh Donaldson's journey through Major League Baseball was marked by a late-career breakout, an MVP season, and a gradual decline due to injuries before his eventual retirement. Drafted by the Chicago Cubs in 2007, Donaldson initially struggled to find a permanent spot, making his MLB debut as a catcher with the Oakland Athletics in 2010. It wasn't until he transitioned to third base that his career truly took off, becoming an All-Star with the Athletics in 2014.
The pinnacle of Donaldson's career came after a trade to the Toronto Blue Jays. In 2015, he delivered a career-defining season, earning the American League MVP award by leading the league in RBIs and runs scored, while also winning a Silver Slugger Award. His aggressive playing style and powerful bat, earning him the nickname 'Bringer of Rain,' made him a fan favorite and a cornerstone of the Blue Jays' competitive teams in 2015 and 2016.
Following his dominant years in Toronto, Donaldson's career began to be impacted by injuries, particularly recurring calf strains. After being traded to the Cleveland Indians in 2018, he signed with the Atlanta Braves for the 2019 season, where he enjoyed a resurgence, winning the NL Comeback Player of the Year award. He then signed a significant four-year contract with the Minnesota Twins in 2020.
His tenure with the Twins and later the New York Yankees (traded in March 2022) saw a further increase in injury-related absences and a dip in offensive production. After being released by the Yankees in August 2023, he briefly joined the Milwaukee Brewers for 17 games before becoming a free agent. Donaldson officially announced his retirement from baseball on March 4, 2024, citing a desire to be with his family and acknowledging that the right opportunity to play one more season did not materialize.
Since his retirement, Donaldson has remained connected to the sport through his alma mater. On May 15, 2026, he was inducted into the Auburn Baseball Wall of Fame, a significant honor recognizing his contributions to the university's baseball program. His number 4 jersey was added to the War Eagle Wall alongside other Auburn legends. Furthermore, he made a leadership gift that led to the creation of the Josh Donaldson Hitting Lab at Auburn's Player Development Center, demonstrating his continued commitment to developing future baseball talent. He also participated in an interview on April 20, 2026, discussing his retirement and his memorabilia collection.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Joshua Adam Donaldson made different choices?