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MLB Free Agency 2017: 5 potential teams for Justin Turner

By Parker Hurley

Jul 15, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner (10) hits a solo home run during the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 15, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner (10) hits a solo home run during the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 9, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; San Diego Padres third base coach Glenn Hoffman (30) greets first baseman Wil Myers (R) after Myers hit a solo home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the eighth inning at PNC Park. The Pirates won 6-4.Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 9, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; San Diego Padres third base coach Glenn Hoffman (30) greets first baseman Wil Myers (R) after Myers hit a solo home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the eighth inning at PNC Park. The Pirates won 6-4.Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

San Diego Padres

In the similar form of stealing from the division rival to bring yourself a step closer, the Padres could be a wild card to spend on a player such as Turner. We have seen this team try to make big splashes before, and in this scenario, they would not be giving up prospects.

Last season, the team relied on Yangervis Solarte to play third base for them. They also used him primarily in the cleanup position. Solarte was fine, but especially considering where the Padres needed him in the lineup, Turner would be a big upgrade. Solarte played a decent amount of second base last season as well. He has played first base and each corner outfield position in his career, and given where the Padres roster is, they can find playing time for him.

The Padres can slot in Turner right behind Wil Myers in the middle of the order. They can slide Solarte down in the order and all of the sudden the Padres one through five in their batting lineup have legitimate talent and upside.

The Padres are a young overall roster. Players such as Travis Jankowski and Manuel Margot made a presence last season and it brings optimism for the future in San Diego. Adding a veteran and a winning locker room player is a smart get. It keeps the locker room from falling apart and makes the Padres a very respectable ball club in 2017.

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