With the 2022 season behind us and the Scorching Range set to burn, we take an in depth have a look at a number of the hottest gamers eligible at no cost company.
Final identify: Trea Turner
Place: Shortstop
Crew: Los Angeles Dodgers
Age (as of opening day 2023): 29
2022 statistics: .298/.343/.466, 21 HR, 100 RBI, 101 R, 27 SB
For the second straight offseason, the free agent shortstop class is loaded. Whereas Carlos Correa, Xander Bogaerts and Dansby Swanson will generate loads of curiosity, Turner is the most effective of the bunch.
Turner is on an upward development as he hits free company, having made his first two All-Star groups in 2021 and 22. He led the Nationwide League in hits, stolen bases, whole objectives and batting common in 148 video games with the Nationals and Dodgers in 21, then adopted that up with one other robust efficiency in 22.
Turner ranked twelfth within the Majors with a 6.3 fWAR, placing his 13.1 fWAR because the begin of 2021 behind lone free agent Aaron Choose (17.0). There isn’t any doubt that Turner will money on this offseason with an enormous contract, however the place will he land?
DODGERS
Turner is claimed to be in favor of a return to the East Coast, though greater than a decade in the past it seemed like a lock CC Sabathia would signal with a California aspect. Issues occur. The Dodgers have seen firsthand simply how a lot of an impression Turner can have, though they might select to take that cash and make a suggestion for Choose.
PHILLIES
With Jean Segura doubtless leaving city, the Phillies can transfer Bryson Stott to second base and import a giant shortstop bat. Turner has been a widely known commodity in Philadelphia since his days in Washington, the place he and Bryce Harper have been teammates. The Phillies look set to spend huge this winter, with Turner excessive on their want checklist.
YANKEES
Choose would look like the Yankees’ prime precedence, but when the slugger leaves New York, the membership can have loads of cash to spend and a necessity for extra offense. Turner will not be the best candidate, given the presence of younger shortstops Oswald Peraza and Anthony Volpe within the group. However a dynamic participant like Turner does not come to market usually. By no means depend the Yankees.
RED SOX
Boston faces the lack of its personal shortstop, as Bogaerts opted out of his contract to hitch Turner within the free agent market. The Crimson Sox should decide on whether or not to increase third baseman Rafael Devers, however may Turner be a greater participant to put money into for the long run? There’s a number of payroll flexibility, so the Sox can enter the Turner contest if they need.
BRAVE
Just like the Crimson Sox, the Braves have their very own free agent shortstop in Swanson. Atlanta does not usually become involved with top-tier free brokers, however the core crew is signed to team-friendly contracts — so the Braves could make a run for Turner, who thrived towards Atlanta all all through his profession.
GIANTS
The Giants are anticipated to go huge sport looking this offseason, with Choose first amongst their targets. Turner might be a stable plan B, as Brandon Crawford has only one yr left on his contract and will transfer to second base in 2023. The Giants have a ton of cash to spend and the need to land a significant bat. .
ORIOLES
Pitching will doubtless be GM Mike Elias’ prime precedence this offseason, because the Orioles look to construct on their shock 2022 season. If Baltimore is trying so as to add a giant bat, shortstop can be a logical spot, because the O had a .641 OPS on the place final season. The Orioles’ payroll is among the many lowest within the league, so if the property chooses to begin spending, Baltimore may trigger a stir.
CUBS
One other crew out there for a shortstop, the Cubs can be able to make a giant signing of this gifted class. Nico Hoerner performed a stable shortstop in 2022, however Turner would offer a distinct degree of impression on the prime of Chicago’s roster.
THE SCOUT APPROACH
“A perennial All-Star caliber participant, 5 instruments with elite velocity. At plate, he has large contact expertise and is ready to work his option to excessive common and on-base proportion. He makes use of all the way in which and has a compact, line-drive swing. Nevertheless, there’s additionally extra uncooked energy within the bat and he is a participant able to hitting over 20 house runs a yr. Pace issues, as he always runs 90s, places strain on protection and steals 30 sacks a yr. A superb athlete, he has the instruments and expertise to be a powerful defender at a major place, in the midst of the diamond. The query can be how velocity ageing in his 30s and the way he is in a position to adapt his sport because the athleticism begins to dwindle He’ll play subsequent season at 29 and there are sufficient decide years left to land a significant contract on what can be a powerful marketplace for its providers.
BUYER ATTENTION
Because the scout talked about, one of many urgent questions is how Turner’s velocity can be affected as he ages. Offensively, Turner had the worst scent (26.3%) and chase (33.1%) charges of his profession in 2022, developments that would develop into an issue if he is not in a lineup as properly. stacked than the Dodgers. Defensively, Turner had a +12 Outs Above Common in 2018 however hasn’t approached that quantity since, combining for a +4 OAA between 2019-22. He was even 0 OAA this season, that means he was league common at shortstop.
FOR THE LOVE OF COMP
Corey Seager cashed in final offseason on a 10-year, $325 million deal — and though Turner was 14 months older than Seager when he grew to become a free agent, it is conceivable he’ll land a comparable deal. Turner enters free company having performed 213 extra video games with over 1,000 extra board appearances than Seager on the identical time, however their slashes are comparable: .302/.355/.487 for Turner, .297/. 367/.504 for Seager. Seager’s energy numbers have been greater, however Turner has 315 extra hits, 192 extra runs scored and 218 extra stolen bases. Turner may not land the best common annual worth of the offseason — Choose will doubtless have that honor — however he may very properly rating essentially the most assured cash of any free agent.