Power ranking Dodgers’ 4 shortstop options for 2023

2. Trea Turner

Trea Turner is still just 29 years old, quite possibly with his best baseball ahead of him. After his spectacular showing thus far in 2022 (133 OPS+, 2.7 WAR), why wouldn’t the team with the most ammunition be standing at the front of his free agent line?

Well, odds are they will be. It’s just still a little bit unclear how much intention Turner has of listening to them.

The early buzz on Turner’s free agency indicates that he would prefer to return to the East Coast, all things being equal. He misses Spring Training in Florida. It’s exactly the type of platitude fans get tired of hearing during the long offseason. After all, doesn’t money talk? Until it doesn’t, and Max Scherzer’s rumored desires became reality.

Nothing solid indicates Turner won’t consider calling the Dodgers home long-term, no matter how convincing Bryce Harper is in his Philadelphia pitch or how effusive his praise is for his former division rival. Philly’s probably the only reckless spender on that seaboard that poses a real threat, though the two New York squads probably can’t be ruled out (if Turner wants to give second base another try in Flushing).

Cold, hard cash from his current home could change the equation, and the way 2022 ends will also impact this chase. Does the Era of Good Feelings result in a World Series? Or does something go south in the second half? All things considered, Turner’s return is a distinct possibility, but he’ll be the most expensive option and will entertain overtures from the Phils (and Yanks?).

Which leaves us with a cheaper option who can’t wait to leave his forever home.