Braves sign Donaldson, 1 yr 23 million deal.

[jpx7]

It's worth noting that his post injury performance was right in line with his strong 2017.

I think this present value overpay, I do think it's an overpay, is exactly the kind of the deal many of us were saying we'd be willing to do to protect payroll later.

With limited numbers of needs and a substantial amount of short term payroll, this is makes perfect sense. And the Braves are basically protected against his not performing by having Camargo/Riley, and company behind him.

as things stand, Atlanta figures to go into next offseason with 50m coming off payroll: Donaldson (23) McCann (2) O'Day (9) Teheran (11) Vizcaino (5m?). Some of that will eaten by raises, but should have good chance to do some useful shopping.

Except, if he produces a la 2017, it’s not even really an overpay, just a contract with zero surplus for the Braves.