Although the Los Angeles Dodgers expressed their interest in re-signing Trea Turner, the odds of that becoming a reality in free agency never appeared favorable.
Even with Turner voicing his appreciation for playing in Los Angeles, the overwhelming belief held that he preferred to return to the East Coast. That made the Philadelphia Phillies an early favorite to sign Turner in his first time going through free agency.
In addition to the Dodgers and Phillies, the Chicago Cubs, San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants were also teams connected to the 29-year-old shortstop.
On the second day of the Winter Meetings in San Diego, Turner agreed to sign with the Phillies, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan:
BREAKING: Shortstop Trea Turner and the Philadelphia Phillies are in agreement on a contract, a source tells ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 5, 2022
Turner’s contract with the Phillies is worth $300 million over 11 years and includes a full no-trade clause, per Kiley McDaniel of ESPN:
Source: Turner is getting 11 years, $300 million with a full no trade clause https://t.co/mvpDfFLrHb
— Kiley McDaniel (@kileymcd) December 5, 2022
Returning back to his natural shortstop position this past season, Turner hit .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 for the 2023 season, which he predictably declined. Now having signed with the Phillies, the Dodgers are due to receive a compensation pick in the 2023 MLB Draft.
Meanwhile, Turner reunites with former Washington Nationals teammate Bryce Harper.
If the Dodgers look to fill their void at shortstop in free agency, they could turn to Xander Bogaerts, Carlos Correa or Dansby Swanson.
Dodgers reluctant with Trea Turner
Even with their interest in Turner, the Dodgers reportedly were not keen on signing him to a long-term contract. The approach is similar to one they took when Corey Seager became a free agent after the 2021 season.
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