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Report: Nats still in Donaldson derby, but Braves considered favorites

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The Washington Nationals were busy in the free-agent market during the early stages of the new year, and they're not ready to stop just yet.

Even after signing multiple infielders this past week, the Nats remain interested in All-Star third baseman Josh Donaldson and have left their contract offer to the former AL MVP on the table, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports.

Donaldson is being courted by the Nats to replace Anthony Rendon, who left the World Series champions for the Angels earlier this winter. Asdrubal Cabrera, who Washington re-signed this week, would appear to be its starter at the position if the team misses out on the 34-year-old.

But the Nats haven't let the waiting game slow down their offseason plans. In the past week, they've added multiple players including veteran infielders Cabrera and Starlin Castro, slugging first baseman Eric Thames, and relievers Daniel Hudson and Will Harris.

Washington is one of three clubs said to have made Donaldson offers in the four-year, $100-million range, alongside the Minnesota Twins and Atlanta Braves.

Although Minnesota has apparently grown pessimistic about its chances of landing Donaldson, the Braves - his team in 2019 - are now seen as the favorites to re-sign him, according to Heyman.

Donaldson earned NL Comeback Player of the Year honors in 2019 by slashing .259/.379/.521 with 37 homers, 94 RBIs, and 100 walks for the NL East champion Braves.

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