Is Trea Turner leaving the Los Angeles Dodgers this offseason to sign a deal with the St. Louis Cardinals? According to one MLB Network host, you can count on it happening.
Trea Turner signing with the St. Louis Cardinals? That’s the prediction of MLB Network host Greg Amsinger
In an interview on 101 ESPN in St. Louis, Amsinger joined the show to talk about what the Cardinals might do in the offseason, including how St. Louis might improve at the shortstop position. That’s where Amsinger proclaimed, “Trea Turner will be the Cardinals shortstop come Opening Day 2023.”
It’s a bold statement and, if it comes true, one that would vastly bulk up the St. Louis lineup. Coming off a stunning Wild Card loss to the Philadelphia Phillies and with Yadier Molina and Albert Pujols retiring, the St. Louis lineup will look much different next season. Adding Turner into the mix would certainly put a new weapon into the options as well for manager Oli Marmol.
The 29-year-old Turner slashed .298/.343/.466 with 21 home runs and 100 RBI last season for Los Angeles, his second season in Chavez Ravine after coming over in the trade from the Washington Nationals that also landed the Dodgers Max Scherzer. Signed to a one-year, $21 million deal last year, Turner is expected to be a part of a stellar free agent shortstop class that could also include Xander Bogaerts, Carlos Correa, and Dansby Swanson.
Turner will draw plenty of interest this offseason, and will land a sizable contract from whatever team he chooses. And yes, that could be St. Louis, especially with Nolan Arenado not opting out of his current contract and keeping the Cardinals from having to spend additional resources to keep him.
However, some rumors already have the Chicago Cubs and Turner being a match for 2023 and beyond. Could an offseason battle in the NL Central over Turner already be brewing?
St. Louis certainly could keep its shortstop options in house, with Tommy Edman moving to the position and Brendan Donovan/Nolan Gorman slotting in at second base. That would allow the Cardinals to spend money in other areas where it’s needed, including behind the plate and on the mound. However, don’t be surprised if St. Louis makes a splash at shortstop, and that could include Turner.