Report: Two teams are clear frontrunners for Josh Donaldson

A Josh Donaldson trade is looking increasingly likely, with two teams looking like the frontrunners.

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, it would be a “huge surprise” if anyone other than the St. Louis Cardinals or Cleveland Indians acquires Donaldson before midnight’s waiver deadline.

The would be huge surprise if #Jays 3B Josh Donaldson winds up anywhere but the Cleveland #Indians or #STLCArds by midnight tonight.

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) August 31, 2018

The surging Cardinals appear to have the more glaring need. The Indians could certainly accommodate him, but that would require a position shift that manager Terry Francona has previously been opposed to.

It’s not clear how much more work Donaldson will need to be ready to play in the majors. He had a brief health scare while on his rehab assignment, but it appears to have been dealt with just in time for the deadline.