The Philadelphia Phillies have reportedly jumped to the front of the pack to acquire a two-time All-Star and one of the top shortstops in MLB free agency.
Aside from opening day and the playoffs, this is a peak news period for the MLB. Free agency is always an exciting time of year and this class of available players is one of the best groups in recent memory.
Not only does this current MLB free agent class include American League MVP Aaron Judge and AL Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander, but the shortstop market is deep and star-studded.
Also read: MLB free agency rumors 2022 – Updating latest free agency news, rumors
Not one, not two, but four former or current All-Star shortstops are up for grabs. And it seems that World Series runners-up the Philadelphia Phillies have become a likely landing spot for one of those players.
Philadelphia Phillies likely landing spot for Trea Turner in MLB free agency
While Red Sox and Twins stars Xander Bogaerts and Carlos Correa are viewed as the two best shortstops in the bunch, Dodgers and Nationals veteran Trea Turner has gotten a huge amount of interest in MLB free agency as well. However, on Wednesday, MLB Network insider Jon Morosi reported that Philly stands out above the rest as the likely next home Turner.
“I think right now, the Phillies are viewed as the favorites. The fit for Philadelphia is there. They are in a situation where they just made it to the World Series and they might be one player away from being able to win it all in 2023. [He’s] a very close friend of Bryce Harper’s. Began his career in the National League East with the Nationals.
“I’ll say this, he is probably headed for an average annual value in excess of $30 million a year. He may still be of interest to the Giants, but I don’t think the Giants will sign another position player for $30 million plus a year unless they know if they’re going to get Aaron Judge or not. Whereas for the Phillies, Trea Turner, according to sources, is their top priority.”
– Latest on Trea Turner
- Trea Turner stats (2022): .298 AVG, .343 OBP, .466 SLG, 21 HR, 100 RBI, 101 R, 27 SB
Turner has been an All-Star the last two seasons and helped the Nationals win their lone championship in 2019.