It seems likely that Josh Donaldson will still be wearing a Toronto Blue Jays uniform in 2018 - but there appears to be one possible scenario in which they might be open to dealing their star, even if the odds of it happening remain slim.
The Blue Jays will reportedly only consider trading the 2015 American League MVP if it's in a deal that improves them at the big-league level for the 2018 season, sources told Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports.
Whether any team with visions of contending themselves next season would surrender quality big-league talent for only one guaranteed season of Donaldson - a free agent after next year - instead of a cadre of prospects remains to be seen.
The idea of the Blue Jays potentially dealing Donaldson for players who would immediately return them to contention a year from now would appear to contradict earlier comments made by team president Mark Shapiro.
"Josh is one of the best players in all of Major League Baseball," Shapiro told Toronto's TSN Radio on July 7. "I'm not saying it's impossible but it's hard for me to foresee any scenario where you trade one of the best players in baseball and get better."
Related - Debate: What should the Blue Jays do with Donaldson?
Following consecutive AL Championship Series appearances during Donaldson's first two seasons in Toronto, the Blue Jays have disappointed in 2017, languishing below .500 and in last place from Day 1. While poor play has undoubtedly contributed to their standing, myriad injuries to key players - including Donaldson - all but doomed the club's playoff hopes in short order.
Donaldson has produced when healthy this year, hitting .254/.378/.519 with 25 homers, 67 walks, and 64 RBIs over just 95 games.
