One offseason after Corey Seager became a free agent, the Los Angeles Dodgers are in the same position with their starting shortstop as Trea Turner now is on the open market.
Unlike last winter, the Dodgers don’t have an All-Star waiting to take over if they strike out in free agency. Nevertheless, the Dodgers re-signing Turner is not considered a likely outcome.
To this point that’s largely been due to the belief Turner prefers a return to the East Coast. However, the Dodgers may also have reservations over signing him to a long-term contract, according to Juan Toribio of MLB.com:
The Dodgers would also be reluctant to offer Turner an eight-year deal worth over $250 million, which is approximately what the two-time All-Star is expected to receive on the open market.
Turner is part of a top group of shortstops that are free agents, which includes Xander Bogaerts, Carlos Correa and Dansby Swanson.
Most anticipate Correa signing the largest contract of the group, but that also held true last offseason and he instead wound up joining the Minnesota Twins on a short-term deal that included an opt-out clause.
Turner is in position to receive the first long-term contract of his career after another impressive season. He batted .298/.343/.466 with 39 doubles, four triples, 21 home runs and 100 RBI en route to earning All-Star Game honors.
The Dodgers extended the $19.65 million qualifying offer to Turner, which he predictably declined. If he signs with a new team, the Dodgers would receive a compensation pick in the 2023 MLB Draft.
Teams interested in Trea Turner
Along with the Dodgers, teams that have been connected to Turner in free agency are the Atlanta Braves, Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies.
Up to this point the Phillies are considered the favorite to sign the 29-year-old.
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