Cubs and 3 other threats to sign Trea Turner away from the Dodgers
By Tim Boyle
2) The Cubs could have unexpected competition from the Orioles to sign Trea Turner
Yes, it’s the same Baltimore Orioles who have spent the last few seasons hanging out in the American League basement that is becoming a threat to sign free agents like Turner this offseason. One of the unlikeliest of competitors the Cubs will have to bid against this offseason, the Orioles are a ball club hoping to take advantage of their young core and add some veteran talent to the roster.
Baltimore has a chance to finish over .500 this year which is a bit remarkable considering how quickly they were able to turn things around. The timing is right for them to make a huge free agent splash. Is Turner the man for the job?
Jorge Mateo has been the primary shortstop this year but his underwhelming numbers at the plate insist it’s time to find someone else. A terrific base stealer with 30 swiped bags already this season, Turner would be able to do all of the things he does well and add on top of it.
The Orioles have the potential to put together a thrilling offseason—the same as the Cubs. Chicago might already have some expensive players on the roster to justify pushing harder. The Orioles, on the other hand, have a low payroll and plenty of spare space to sign an impact player of Turner’s magnitude.