Dodgers Rumors: Trea Turner departure plan might divide LA fans

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 12: Carlos Correa #4 of the Minnesota Twins talks with Freddie Freeman #5 of the Los Angeles Dodgers on April 12, 2022 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 12: Carlos Correa #4 of the Minnesota Twins talks with Freddie Freeman #5 of the Los Angeles Dodgers on April 12, 2022 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images) /
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No, there’s another rumored plan to deal with Trea Turner’s potential departure in free agency. We’re not talking about the Aaron Judge chatter here. Apparently the Los Angeles Dodgers, just like last offseason, will be involved in the high-profile shortstop market yet again.

Last year, they reportedly offered Corey Seager a $300 million contract (with deferrals), but lost out to the Texas Rangers. They also reportedly kept tabs on Carlos Correa, who eventually signed a massive short-term contract with the Minnesota Twins that also contained two player opt-out clauses.

With Correa expected to opt out when the 2022 season officially ends, he’ll once again be a free agent alongside big names, such as Turner, Dansby Swanson and likely Xander Bogaerts (who also has an opt out that’s expected to be exercised).

The Dodgers’ reported first choice, at this juncture, is Turner. But nothing’s a guarantee, especially when there are other teams with greater financial flexibility or willingness to overpay as they reach the cusp of contention.

The good news is that there will be plenty of options for the powerhouse Dodgers to sift through … but how will fans feel if Correa is the solution when all is said and done?

Dodgers Rumors: Trea Turner or Carlos Correa in free agency?

Here’s what MLB insider Jon Heyman wrote, via the New York Post:

"“But they likely still wonder whether they might be [Turner’s] first choice, and thus are surveying a very rich shortstop market. No surprise they appear to have landed on the other comparably great free-agent shortstop as an enticing 1A choice: Carlos Correa. They love everything he brings, and thus far don’t seem to have 2017 reservations.”"

Some Dodgers fans may not have 2017 reservations any longer, but others might! Correa has been a visitor at Dodger Stadium multiple times since the 2017 Astros were found guilty of sign-stealing and playing a role in robbing LA from a World Series title, and he’s always been met with vitriol from the home crowd.

Correa could very well be the needle-mover in regard to altering the championship mindset in LA. Far too often have the Dodgers fallen short in the postseason due to a lack of grit, emotion and penchant for welcoming the spotlight.

Then again, is this a “sellout” move Dodgers fans would be willing to accept? The guy who beat you, trash talked you into oblivion, and continues to welcome the hate from your fans? Is that the star you want potentially leading the charge for your next World Series run?

With the amount of fans fed up with another lackluster October, yeah, it might be time to toss pride aside and do whatever it takes to get that full-season championship.