Since Los Angeles Dodgers free agent Trea Turner rejected the $19.65 million qualifying offer for 2023, he’s been the subject of reported interest from several teams.
The Dodgers are open to re-signing Turner, but it’s believed his preference is to return to the East Coast. Turner has downplayed that being a driving factor in free agency.
The Philadelphia Phillies nevertheless have emerged as an early favorite to sign the two-time All-Star. The Chicago Cubs and San Francisco Giants also are among the teams that have been connected to him.
Meanwhile, the San Diego Padres have already met with Turner in free agency and have high interest, according to Dennis Lin and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic:
The Padres have met with free-agent shortstop Trea Turner twice in person before next week’s Winter Meetings in San Diego, major-league sources told The Athletic, signaling that an unexpected suitor has a legitimate interest in signing a player who could command this offseason’s second-largest contract.
For a Padres team that could be looking to add one of the big name free agent shortstops, especially while they anticipate being without Fernando Tatis Jr. for a period of next season, a signing could trigger a large roster shakeup for San Diego.
That would apply most to their starting pitching, where the Padres have a need but signing Turner would have luxury tax implications.
The Padres reportedly have interest in Xander Bogaerts as well.
Dodgers hesitant to sign Trea Turner?
Although members of the Dodgers organization have regularly spoken highly of Turner, the team reportedly is reluctant to make the necessary long-term commitment to sign the 29-year-old.
It’s presumed Turner will receive a contract upwards of eight years and at least $250 million.
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