Dodgers News: Justin Turner reacts to Kiké Hernandez trade, Rangers-Ohtani buzz

Been a heck of a rollercoaster for JT ... and the Rangers appear to be big on Shohei Ohtani.

Tampa Bay Rays v Boston Red Sox
Tampa Bay Rays v Boston Red Sox / Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/GettyImages

On Tuesday afternoon, the Los Angeles Dodgers pulled off their first trade of the deadline period and acquired former Dodger Kiké Hernandez in a deal with the Boston Red Sox. In the end, LA surrendered two minor-league pitchers (Nick Robertson and Justin Hagenman) for Hernandez and $2.5 million in cash.

It's obvious why the Dodgers made this trade. They were in search of a capable right-handed hitter who can log middle infield reps (in addition to outfield reps if needed). Though Hernandez is having a tough year, perhaps his familiarity as a Dodger from 2015-2020 can help him get back on track.

As for the Red Sox? Not really sure why they made it for that return, especially if they were eating a good portion of Hernandez's remaining salary. Yes, the veteran will be a free agent after the year, but he's a well-known "clubhouse guy" and had close relationships with many of his teammates in Boston, most notably former Dodgers Justin Turner and Kenley Jansen.

Turner, who signed with Boston this past offseason after being heavily recruited by Hernandez, reacted to the deal on Twitter (we will not be calling it "X" thank you very much) and it's clear the Sox star is going through it.

First, LA left him hanging in free agency. Then he thought he'd be getting a life raft in the form of reuniting with a couple of his old teammates. Now, his good friend was sent back to where it all began for the two of them witnessing their careers take off. Understandably upsetting.

Dodgers News: Justin Turner reacts to Kiké Hernandez trade, Rangers hot on Ohtani?

As for trade deadline exploits, there will be plenty more over the next week, especially in Los Angeles. The Dodgers need to make plenty of additions, and over in Anaheim all the focus will be on Shohei Ohtani.

It's been reported Angels owner Arte Moreno won't trade the two-way star (if he leans in that direction) to the Dodgers, and highly regarded MLB insider Jeff Passan also thinks that possibility is far-fetched ... though others keep saying the trade package the Halos get in return will rule the day.

Though the Dodgers are well positioned to out-bid whoever might stand in their way, Passan described Ohtani as the Rangers' "white whale," which could make them the frontrunner especially when you consider how good Texas' farm system is.

The Rangers have the best offense in the AL (and second-best in all of MLB) and have still managed to keep a comfortable cushion in the AL West despite losing Jacob deGrom to Tommy John surgery (though they're slipping right now after losing two straight to Houston). Acquiring Ohtani would allow them to effectively replace deGrom and add arguably the league's best bat to the middle of their order. And what better chance does Texas have to win a World Series than right now? They've witnessed a remarkable turnaround after revamping their roster and are in the best position possible at the trade deadline.

It comes down to this: does Moreno want to trade Ohtani in the division or to a crosstown "rival"? Because it seems those two teams might be the most aggressive with the best packages to offer.