It may be the days before the MLB Winter Meetings begin, but one report will have Philadelphia Phillies fans feeling much better about their team’s chances of landing free agent shortstop Trea Turner, perhaps sooner than later.
Rumors: Philadelphia Phillies have “good chance” to sign Trea Turner
According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, the Phillies have tabbed the 29-year-old Turner as their “top target” this offseason. MLB Network insider Joel Sherman took things between the Phillies and Turner a step further by saying a deal between the two sides has “a good chance to happen.”
That’s very good news for the Phillies, a team that is looking to upgrade at the position after seeing Didi Gregorius and Bryson Stott split time there last season. Philadelphia finished 25th in MLB at shortstop with a combined minus-1.2 bWAR. The Los Angeles Dodgers, Turner’s former team, finished seventh in the league at the position with 2.7 bWAR.
Turner finished with 4.9 bWAR after slashing .298/.343/.466 with 21 home runs, 100 RBI, and 27 stolen bases. His 4.9 bWAR was the fourth-highest on the Dodgers last season.
One of the biggest reasons why the Phillies may be extremely motivated to land an offensive weapon at shortstop like Turner is that Philadelphia will be without Bryce Harper to start the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. Putting Turner into the Phillies lineup would certainly help lessen the absence of Harper, and would make the Phillies even stronger when Harper returns during the season.
Los Angeles is reportedly looking at other shortstops and options (including an internal one with Gavin Lux) to replace Turner in their lineup. Dodgers reporter David Vassegh has said that “all signs are pointing” to Los Angeles parting ways with Turner. He also named the Phillies, Chicago Cubs, and Atlanta Braves as teams that are pursuing Turner.
If the Phillies are able to land Turner, look for Stott to move to second base, allowing Turner the chance to take over at shortstop and giving the defending National League champions a strong upgrade with one of the most wanted free agents landing in the City of Brotherly Love.