Donaldson named AL's top offensive third baseman
Adds Silver Slugger to offseason awards haul
Josh Donaldson, who helped lead the Blue Jays to their first postseason appearance since 1993, was rewarded with the American League's Silver Slugger Award at third base on Thursday.
Though Donaldson had some solid years with the Oakland Athletics, this was his first Silver Slugger, presented by Louisville Slugger, and it comes on the heels of a breakout season.
Donaldson went to the post for the Blue Jays nearly every day, notching 711 plate appearances and hitting .297 with 41 homers, 123 RBIs and an on-base/slugging line of .371/.568.
Earlier this week, Donaldson was selected as the Players Choice Player of the Year.
Donaldson's next award just might be the AL Most Valuable Player. He is considered one of the top candidates, if not the favorite.
On Nov. 28, 2014, Donaldson was traded from the Athletics to the Blue Jays for Brett Lawrie, Kendall Graveman, Sean Nolin and Franklin Barreto.
Hitting second, in front of Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion, Donaldson flourished with the Blue Jays.
"I didn't get intentionally walked one time the entire year because I had a great hitter hitting behind me in Jose Bautista and another dangerous hitter after him in Edwin Encarnacion," Donaldson said earlier this week. "I was the guy who was up first and [pitchers] had to come after me."
The Blue Jays went to the AL Championship Series, losing in six games to the Royals, who went on to win the World Series.