Phillies trade rumors: Josh Donaldson worth the risk?

Another batch of Phillies trade rumors before the trade deadline?

Phillies general manager Matt Klentak has been aggressive at the trade deadline this summer, adding six players to the youngest clubhouse in baseball. Sitting three games behind the Braves in the National League East, could the latest Phillies trade rumors result in another low-risk/high-reward deal for a former MVP?

Jon Morosi of MLB.com says the chances Toronto trades third baseman Josh Donaldson have increased after he hit a home run Thursday night in a rehab game. Donaldson has been hindered by a calf injury that’s limited him to only 36 games this year.

Adding Donaldson would be another veteran bat off the bench along with Jose Bautista and Asdrubal Cabrera. Justin Bour, another deadline addition, is on the disabled list with an oblique strain.

Donaldson could give Philadelphia a couple starts a week at third, and while he’s only played five games at first in his career, he could potentially fill in there if needed.

Maikel Franco hasn’t been on a torrid pace since hitting .330 in July, seeing his batting average in August drop to .247, though he’s hit five home runs.

Adding Donaldson to the 40-man roster wouldn’t be an issue either with Mitch Walding being an obvious candidate to be designated for assignment.

The price for Donaldson won’t be high either given his lack of controllability and the calf injury. A player to be named later is a likely move with the deal being based on his production and games played.

It’s unlikely the Phillies, or anyone for that matter, place a claim on Donaldson given the money involved. It’ll be open season on Donaldson in the final hours before the waiver deadline passes.

With the 40-man roster becoming available for the major league club in September, I’d rather have Donaldson than Jesmuel Valentin or Walding on the bench. If Donaldson is healthy and motivated he’s one of the best third basemen in baseball.