When a former American League MVP and Silver Slugger speaks, you listen. That's exactly what the Auburn baseball team has been doing, and it's paying off in a big way.

Josh Donaldson, who spent 13 seasons in the big leagues, was recently honored on Auburn's Wall of Fame before a series against Georgia. But for head coach Butch Thompson, the real value isn't in the plaque—it's in the wisdom Donaldson brings to the dugout.

"Anytime I've been asked to talk to the guys, they've definitely seemed very open and willing to listen," Donaldson shared during a media availability. "As a baseball player, especially as a younger player, you want to be a sponge. You have to take in a lot of information and filter it for your game."

That mindset is exactly what separates college players who make it to the majors from those who don't. The path from the SEC to the show is rarely a straight line. It requires patience, vision, and the grit to grind through the minor leagues. Donaldson sees that potential in this Auburn squad.

"They have the talent on the field to make an impact," Donaldson said, noting that the Tigers' willingness to learn from someone who's been there and done that at the highest level gives them a real edge.

For a program looking to develop the next generation of big-league talent, having a mentor like Donaldson in the clubhouse isn't just a nice touch—it's a game-changer. And for the players wearing the Auburn uniform, it's a masterclass in what it takes to turn college potential into professional success.