5 Yankees who survived trade deadline but won’t be on 2023 roster

4. Josh Donaldson

Josh Donaldson has largely been a problem for the Yankees. In the midst of a career-worst offensive season, Donaldson’s efforts on defense are no longer making up for his shortcomings at the plate. You don’t pay $25 million for good defense, sadly.

When the offseason trade with the Twins happened, it was mostly viewed positively. The Yankees got rid of a problem in Gary Sanchez and a regressing player in Gio Urshela. However, starting Isiah Kiner-Falefa at shortstop was not a “winning” move because he’s a below-average player and is better at third base, and importing a hefty short-term contract in Donaldson, who created rifts with the Yankees in the past, seemed a bit silly.

But it happened anyway, and here we are, celebrating Donaldson being placed on the paternity list because he’s unwatchable. Once upon a time, he was the Yankees’ agitator who got under opponents’ skin and helped the team establish an “attitude” en route to their historic start. Now, he can’t even trash talk properly. He’s staring at 92 MPH fastballs over the middle. He’s making errors in the field.

A broken player who the Yankees reportedly tried to trade at the deadline. They obviously didn’t because that was a near-impossible task, but with Oswaldo Cabrera, Oswald Peraza and Anthony Volpe making huge strides, expect Donaldson gone before Opening Day 2023 to make way for a brand new infield.