Dodgers Rumors: Trea Turner free agency won’t be threatened by Yankees

Even though the Los Angeles Dodgers hardly even think about the New York Yankees, who haven’t been to the World Series since 2009 and have continually been underwhelming in free agency ever since, this offseason could actually present an issue for Andrew Friedman and Co.

As many fans are aware, Aaron Judge, the likely AL MVP, is no lock to return to New York. The Yankees failed to sign Judge long term this offseason, when they offered him a seven-year, $213.5 million extension. The slugger turned it down and is now having an historic season. Sorry, but that number is at least $100 million short now.

That puts the Yankees in a tough situation. Do they want to dish out what they might view as a prohibitive deal for Judge, who’s been fully healthy for three out of his six MLB seasons? Or would they rather build an elite middle infield with two of their top prospects and one of the star shortstops hitting the open market this November?

Here’s a better question: why didn’t they just do that this past offseason? Were they waiting for someone like Trea Turner or Dansby Swanson, perhaps? Nope! They’re just … willing to promote unproven players and lose their best one, it seems!

If we’re to believe MLB insider Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, don’t expect the Yankees to be in the running for Turner, which could help the Dodgers out big time.

Should Dodgers worry about Yankees in Trea Turner free agency chase?

Though Turner did say everything is on the table when it comes to free agency, he left the door open for the Dodgers. And if the biggest market in the league isn’t going to chase him in the offseason, that gives LA a colossal advantage if the goal is to retain him.

“The bottom line: Even if the Yankees lose Judge, it appears unlikely they will bid in free agency for one of the big potential free agents at short – Trea Turner, Dansby Swanson and, if they opt out, Correa and Xander Bogaerts,” Rosenthal wrote.

Unlike the Yankees, regardless of needs, the Dodgers always find themselves creatively exploring options to upgrade with their resources. The shortsighted front office led by Brian Cashman in the Bronx can’t say the same.

There’s a reason the Dodgers are viewed as the new gold standard in MLB. The Yankees have let them operate and flourish unchecked for the better part of the last decade, and LA has taken advantage at every turn.

This is constantly hyped up as a potential World Series matchup, but only one side has delivered on its end of the bargain, both in the offseason and on the field.

Trea Turner clarifies free agency demands (and obviously leaves door open for Dodgers)

Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Trea Turner didn't shut the door on re-signing with the team in the offseason despite rumors of an east coast return.