2022-23 MLB free agency: Top 3 best fits for Trea Turner
LOS ANGELES (BVM) – While many recognize Trea Turner as a very good player, he seems to be underrated in the grand scheme of things.
Most associate Turner with his speed, which is fair, but he is arguably one of the best pure hitters in baseball.
The 29-year-old shortstop hit .298 this year, his first season with a batting average below .320 since 2019. And while Turner is not a traditional power hitter, he does provide extra-base pop, finishing in the top 10 in the National League in doubles with 39.
He does all of this offensively while bringing a good glove on the defensive side of the ball.
All of these tools should get him a big payday on the open market. Here are the teams most likely to give it to him.
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers put together one of the greatest regular seasons ever with 111 wins. Unfortunately for them, the MLB postseason is a crapshoot. Despite being eliminated by the San Diego Padres in the Division Series, the focus for LA should be to bring back as much of the team as possible, starting with Turner.
New York Mets
The big caveat for the Mets entering the Turner sweepstakes is if deGrom decides to walk away. If he stays, maybe owner Steve Cohen decides to spend big by giving both of them huge contracts, but that may not be likely. The question will be how important the shortstop position is to Turner. If it is not a huge factor, a middle infield of him and Francisco Lindor would be fun to watch. His skillset may also fit in center field, with the impending free agency of Brandon Nimmo.
Chicago Cubs
It is time for the Ricketts family to do right by Cubs fans by spending some money. The best way to do that is by securing the shortstop position long-term. Whether it is Turner, Carlos Correa, Dansby Swanson or Xander Bogaerts, there is no excuse for Chicago not to make a splash. The Cubs have some interesting young pieces and this is a chance to bring in a good veteran leader to guide them in the right direction.