Don't rule out Trea Turner returning to the Los Angeles Dodgers, but also, you probably shouldn't bet on it happening.
MLB.com's Juan Toribio had this to say of the chances that Andrew Friedman and company ultimately retain the two-time All-Start shortstop:
"With Trea Turner entering free agency, the Dodgers are looking for a starting shortstop for the first time in quite some time. Bringing back Turner is a possibility for the Dodgers, but multiple sources told MLB.com that it’s more likely the two-time All-Star will be playing elsewhere next season."
Jon Heyman of The New York Post has been at the forefront of reporting on a potential desire for Turner, a Florida native, to play for an East Coast team. However, Heyman recently noted that Turner "has said he liked Los Angeles and will consider all."
Once upon a time, there were rumors that Bryce Harper didn't view Philadelphia as the most desirable city to live in. But the Phillies ended up securing his services on a 13-year/$330 million deal, and he's become one of the most beloved players in franchise history, at least in part because he seems to genuinely enjoy playing in front of the fanbase.
The point is, money can change perspectives. If the Dodgers present
Turner with the best offer, he can live on the East Coast in the offseason.
However, it's fair to wonder if the Dodgers will be the most aggressive suitor for Turner. They let Manny Machado leave to sign a 10-year/$300 million deal with the division-rival San Diego Padres after the 2018 season. They let Corey Seager depart last winter when the Texas Rangers gave him a 10-year/$325 million deal.
The Dodgers did give Mookie Betts a 12-year/$365 million deal, so it's not as though they are completely unwilling to give lengthy contracts. But for as excellent Turner is, he's not a generational talent like Betts is. And perhaps the Dodgers are only willing to give deals in excess of, say, eight years in rare circumstances.
It's also possible that the Dodgers just prefer one of Carlos Correa, Xander Bogaerts and Danbsy Swanson, the three other star shortstops available this winter. Time will tell.
But if the Dodgers aren't ultimately willing to meet the asking price of Turner, that will be music to the ears of fans of the Philadelphia Phillies, San Francisco Giants, Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals, teams perceived as contenders for his services.
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