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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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Sep 27, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson (2) reacts after striking out in the eighth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Turner Field. The Braves won 7-6. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson (2) reacts after striking out in the eighth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Turner Field. The Braves won 7-6. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

Atlanta Braves

The Braves took a year or two off from competing to tear down their roster and build it back up. They got rid of a ton of veteran names and used those names to go for as many prospects as they could acquire. It is the right way to rebuild in the MLB and it has the Braves a lot closer to prominence than some teams that sit in the middle of the pack for years.

However, in 2017 it appears that the Braves are interested in competing again. Or, at least starting to climb out of the bottom. The team acquires Matt Kemp at the trade deadline last season. They then added old veterans R.A. Dickey and Bartolo Colon to the pitching staff in the off-season.

Their big name prospects, Dansby Swanson, Ozzy Albies and Sean Newcomb are expected to make impacts on the MLB roster this season, so it looks to be a smart move to add in long time veteran presences to set a right tone in the clubhouse. Losing is fine when you are building up a roster, but it can be lethal if it affects a young up and comers mentality.

This makes Turner a solid fit. Swanson and Albies will likely field the middle infielder slots, and with Freddie Freeman as the heart of the team at first base, they are a third baseman away from having a complete infield on paper. Turner can provide similar clubhouse help that guys like Dickey and Colon can provide, and gives Freeman protection in the lineup he has not had for years. The Braves may not be fully back to prominence, but adding a player like Turner is a big step in doing so.

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