Josh Donaldson continues to draw ire of New York Yankees fans even after 2-home run performance

Josh Donaldson has been one of the most widely-criticized members of the New York Yankees ahead of the 2023 MLB regular season.

The 37-year-old third baseman was underwhelming last season. He hit .222/.308/.374, representing the worst offensive numbers of his career and a far cry from the 2015 version of Donaldson that won the AL MVP.

Since the beginning of spring training, Yankees fans have been relentless in letting Donaldson know, in no uncertain terms, that they do not just want, but expect a better season out of him in 2023.

Talkin' Yanks

@TalkinYanks

Two homers on the day for Josh Donaldson!

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Two homers on the day for Josh Donaldson! https://t.co/mB9xcPSfox

"Two homers on the day for Josh Donaldson!" Talkin' Yanks

Josh Donaldson entered the New York Yankees' March 21 matchup against the Detroit Tigers with only one home run in the Grapefruit League. Although he had increased that number to three with two dingers before the third inning, fans were still not impressed.

BronxieTheTurtle

@BronxieTurtle

@TalkinYanks Half expected that ball to stay in the park after last year

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@TalkinYanks Half expected that ball to stay in the park after last year

Camp727

@jcamp0727

@TalkinYanks Even a blind squirrel finds a nut every now and again

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@TalkinYanks Even a blind squirrel finds a nut every now and again https://t.co/15znbE6Ra5

Donaldson came to the Yankees in a trade last March alongside Isiah Kiner-Falefa from the Minnesota Twins. Gary Sanchez and Gio Urshela were two Yankees fan-favorites that went the other way.

Nixon'schesthair

@Nixonchesthair

@TalkinYanks Even the rare occasions in which he succeeds, he’s impossible to root for

@TalkinYanks Even the rare occasions in which he succeeds, he’s impossible to root for

I.M.A. Freeman

@_IAmNotANumber_

@TalkinYanks Even a broken clock is right twice a day.

@TalkinYanks Even a broken clock is right twice a day.

Although Donaldson started the season well in 2022, he struggled to pull his weight in the summer months. This prompted many Yankees fans and observers to reach the conclusion that Donaldson was past his prime and should be put out to pasture.

Despite hitting two home runs against the Tigers, fan calls to trade Donaldson continue.

casey dickson

@Casey_237

@TalkinYanks Trade him while he's hot

@TalkinYanks Trade him while he's hot

Green Machine

@21GreenMachine

@TalkinYanks Perfect time to trade him,…

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@TalkinYanks Perfect time to trade him,…

Smokey Jones

@SmokeyJonesCT

@TalkinYanks Perfect. trade him now

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@TalkinYanks Perfect. trade him now

The 2023 season is a big one for Donaldson. His four-year, $92 million contract is set to expire at the end of the season. Although he has an option in place for 2024, Donaldson will need to have significantly better numbers if he wants to remain in the pinstripes past the end of 2023.

A good season from Josh Donaldson could put the haters to sleep

Although he is struggling, Donaldson is still considered one of the best players in the MLB. Fans should not forget that this is a man who has led the MLB in runs and RBIs before.

If he is able to channel his former self and succeed this season, he will be able to prove that 2022 was just a fluke and move on. However, if Josh Donaldson continues to struggle in 2023 like he did last season, it is doubtful that he will remain a member of the Bronx Bombers for much longer.

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