The Minnesota Twins signed Josh Donaldson to a four-year/$92 million contract in 2020, and for the most part, it’s been a good move. However, the organization has hit a crossroads, and it’s time to make a decision on the veteran third baseman.

Donaldson’s career with the Twins didn’t get off on the right foot. He started the 2020 season off slow and eventually missed extended time with a calf injury. He’d go on to finish the year hitting .222 with 11 home runs and 18 runs batted in.

It was a season to forget for the former MVP.

Minnesota entered the 2021 season with high expectations, but that didn’t go according to plan. Donaldson was injured on his very first at-bat less than five minutes into the game. That’s a pretty good depiction of the Twins season.

Donaldson was able to stay relatively healthy when he did return and had a good 2021 season. He finished the year batting .247, with 26 home runs and 72 runs batted in. He also had an on-base percentage of .352 and a slugging percentage of .475.

Donaldson was great, but a large reason the Twins were able to keep him on the field was because they kept him off it. After the front office traded Nelson Cruz, Minnesota utilized Donaldson in the designated hitter role.

I think Rocco Baldelli would prefer to rotate his DH, but I’d assume Donaldson is the primary player in that role. They’d be wise too as well if they want to prolong his career and get the most out of him.

He just turned 36 and will be a free agent in 2025 (if they pick up the club option). It’s likely they don’t re-sign him because he will be 39 when his deal is up.

They could always trade Donaldson, but it’ll be hard to find a suitor at his price tag and age. Unless the deal benefits the organization, they should keep him because he is a valuable player.

Minnesota has a lot of options to replace Donaldson as their everyday third baseman.

Luis Arraez played a lot at third last year, but he’s not a reliable option defensively. It’ll be tough to find him consistent playing time, but that’s just the price you have to pay if you’re not good enough on both sides of the ball.

Arguably the most popular idea and something almost every Twins fan would like to see, is Jose Miranda getting the nod to start on opening day. The 23-year-old hit .344, with 30 home runs and 94 runs batted in between Double and Triple-A.

I highly doubt he replicates those numbers, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he ends his career as a multi-time All-Star.

Minnesota could keep Donaldson at third and slide Miranda to short if they can’t sign a SS in free agency. However, Royce Lewis and Austin Martin are knocking on the door, and they could be potential long-term solutions at the position.

Why should the Twins play Miranda at shortstop if they don’t see a long-term fit?

Minnesota should make Donaldson the primary designated hitter and slide Miranda at third. Donaldson is a key part of the success of this franchise in the short term, and if they want to maximize it, they’ll have to keep him off his feet as much as possible.