Blue Jays GM: 'I can't imagine our team being better without Josh Donaldson'

The Toronto Blue Jays have heard the rumors, and general manager Ross Atkins is dismissive of his club's interest in trading away third baseman Josh Donaldson.

"It seems like it was one rumor that came out at the trade deadline, and people have continued to build off that rumor," Atkins told Jerry Crasnick of ESPN. "We're trying to win, and I can't imagine our team being better without Josh Donaldson."

Related: It's time for the Blue Jays to trade Donaldson

With the New York Yankees beginning to put together what seems like a juggernaut, and the Boston Red Sox coming off of a 93-win season, there has been some consternation that the Blue Jays should turn their attention toward a rebuild.

"The Yankees and Red Sox are going to be very good, and I would agree there's probably more to come potentially for both teams," Atkins continued. "But we're excited about trying to overcome the challenges."

The 32-year-old Donaldson is eligible to become a free agent following the 2018 season. Despite playing 113 games last year due to injury, he still managed his fifth consecutive 5 WAR season, posting a .270/.385/.559 slash line with 33 home runs and a pair of stolen bases.