The Los Angeles Dodgers endured the exit of another premier player this offseason as Trea Turner signed with the Philadelphia Phillies on a 13-year, $300 million contract.
Turner was brought over from the Washington Nationals at the 2021 trade deadline, and although the Dodgers were in need of a solution at shortstop, they weren’t in the market for a long-term deal. Tuner, Carlos Correa, Xander Bogaerts and Dansby Swanson all received contracts with an average annual value of at least $25 million.
After joining the Dodgers in 2021, Turner went on to capture his first career batting title with a .328 average, and this past season he earned a second All-Star Game selection to go along with a Silver Slugger Award.
Where Turner appeared to have lapses at times was in returning to play shortstop after finishing 2021 at second base. He acknowledged the bouts of trouble but viewed time with the Dodgers this year as valuable.
“I think I learned a lot last [season] at shortstop and I’m excited to kind of apply those things going forward. I think I have a lot of improvement at short,” Turner said during an introductory press conference with the Phillies.
“I think I can play much better than I have,” Turner said. “It’s going to be putting the work in and actually doing it. Eventually you’ve got to prove it. But I want to prove it to myself more than anything. I think I can play at a really high level, and that process will never end. I will always try to get better.”
Turner slashed .298/.343/.466 with 39 doubles, four triples, 21 home runs, 100 RBI, 27 stolen bases and a 128 wRC+ across 160 games with the Dodgers this year.
Returning to his natural position in the infield provided Turner with comfort the 29-year-old noted was a big thing for him after the Dodgers asked him to play second base after the initial trade.
Chris Taylor could replace Trea Turner as Dodgers shortstop
After missing out on the top free agent shortstop options due to an unwillingness to go over the luxury tax threshold for 2023, the Dodgers need to fill the position via trade or in-house options.
Chris Taylor has spent the most time at shortstop and expressed a desire to see some time there this upcoming season. He is the safest option, given his experience of nearly 2,000 innings there.
Make sure to follow Dodger Blue on Instagram! It’s the best way to see exclusive coverage from games and events, get your questions answered, and more!
