Josh Donaldson's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 20, 2025

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Josh Donaldson. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Josh Donaldson is a former American professional baseball third baseman. He played 13 seasons in MLB for several teams, including the Oakland Athletics, Toronto Blue Jays, Atlanta Braves, and New York Yankees. Known for his offensive production and defensive skills at third base, Donaldson was an All-Star and won the American League MVP award in 2015 while playing for Toronto.

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Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2006: Sophomore Season at Auburn and Cape Cod League

In his sophomore season, 2006, Josh Donaldson hit .276 and led the team with ten home runs at Auburn; he also threw out 15 of 38 base stealers. In the summer of 2006, Donaldson played for the Harwich Mariners of the Cape Cod Baseball League where he was an All-Star and hit .302.

2007: Preseason All-American

In 2007, Josh Donaldson was named a Louisville Slugger Preseason All-American.

2011: Jose Bautista's WAR

According to Baseball-Reference.com, Josh Donaldson's 8.8 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) in 2015 ranked as the highest single-season total in club history, surpassing José Bautista's previous record of 8.1 in 2011.

2014: First All-Star Appearance and Fielding Bible Award

In 2014, Josh Donaldson was elected to his first All-Star appearance. Donaldson also won his first career Fielding Bible Award for his work at third base.

2014: All-Star Selection

In the 2014 MLB season, Josh Donaldson became an All-Star.

October 29, 2015: Sporting News MLB Player of the Year

On October 29, 2015, Sporting News announced that Josh Donaldson had won their MLB Player of the Year Award.

November 19, 2015: AL MVP

On November 19, 2015, Josh Donaldson was named the 2015 American League Most Valuable Player (AL MVP).

December 5, 2015: Cover Athlete

On December 5, 2015, Josh Donaldson was revealed as the cover athlete for MLB The Show 16.

2015: AL Player of the Week and All-Star Selection

In 2015, Josh Donaldson was named the American League Player of the Week for the second time in his career and was elected as a starter to the 2015 MLB All-Star Game.

2015: AL MVP and All-Star

In the 2015 MLB season, Josh Donaldson was named as a starter to the MLB All-Star Game, earned the most fan votes, and was voted the American League's Most Valuable Player. Donaldson also won the Silver Slugger Award and led the American League in RBIs (runs batted in) and runs scored in 2015.

2015: Best Season

Observers noted that 2015 was one of Josh Donaldson's best seasons. On September 7, Donaldson hit his 100th career home run. Donaldson finished the 2015 regular season with a .297 batting average, 122 runs scored, 41 doubles, 41 home runs, and 123 RBIs.