Report: Blue Jays discussing Donaldson deal with contenders

Josh Donaldson remains a member of the Toronto Blue Jays with the deadline to add playoff-eligible players via trade less than six hours away, but that doesn't mean talks aren't ongoing.

Toronto is in discussions with the New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta Braves, and the St. Louis Cardinals about the 2015 American League MVP, sources told MLB Network Radio's Steve Phillips.

The Blue Jays have told multiple teams they expect to trade Donaldson before the midnight deadline, sources told Yahoo Sports' Jeff Passan, who adds the Houston Astros and Cleveland Indians to the list of interested teams. The Blue Jays would eat a significant amount of the $4-million-plus Donaldson is owed, according to Passan.

While the Cardinals have been rumored as one possible destination for Donaldson, according to a report from MLB.com's Jon Morosi, the team's president of baseball operations John Mozeliak said he didn't anticipate making an acquisition before the end of the day on Friday, according to MLB.com's Jenifer Langosch.

Donaldson has connections in both Atlanta - Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos acquired the three-time All-Star while he was still with the Blue Jays - and Philadelphia - Donaldson's former teammate Jose Bautista now plays for the Phillies after a trade earlier this week.

The Yankees have been linked to Donaldson in the past, but there haven't been many rumors of late tying the two parties together. New York already has rookie Miguel Andujar slotted in at third base and they just acquired outfielder Andrew McCutchen on Friday, bringing them closer to the luxury tax threshold.

Brian Cashman and the Yankees' front office were confirmed as one of many teams speaking with Toronto about Donaldson, sources told Fancred's Jon Heyman, who reports the Blue Jays would need to pay at least half of the third baseman's remaining salary so the Yankees can avoid going over the threshold. The Yankees are thought to be about $2.8 million under, Heyman adds.

Houston has All-Star Alex Bregman entrenched at third, but Donaldson would provide the reigning World Series champions with an option at designated hitter or off their bench.

Cleveland has been interested in Donaldson for some time, and could potentially move MVP candidate Jose Ramirez from third to second base if a trades goes forward.

The 32-year-old Donaldson is trying to make his way back from injury and is currently on a rehab assignment with the Blue Jays' Class-A affiliate in Dunedin.

He hit a homer in the minors on Thursday. However, he hasn't had much success at the big-league level this season, hitting .234/.333/.423 with five home runs and 16 RBIs in 36 games.