MLB free agency rumors: Phillies could have ace-in-the-hole to land Trea Turner
By Josh Wilson
The Phillies have something no other teams have that could convince Trea Turner to sign with them.
Plenty of teams will be vying for Trea Turner’s services this offseason. The free agent shortstop seems to like Los Angeles, but appears to prefer the East coast according to reports from various insiders. It seems like returning to the Dodgers is not out of the cards, but a move East sounds likely.
That doesn’t exactly limit the field since there are a ton of teams scattered up and down the northeast corridor, but one extra piece of information that came out does make another team seem a little more likely: The Philadelphia Phillies.
Bryce Harper could get Trea Turner to Phillies
According to Jon Morosi, Trea Turner’s relationship with Bryce Harper figures to be a substantial selling point for the Phillies in trying to acquire Turner:
Morosi: "The Phillies, for a variety of reasons, a lot of people here at the meetings believe the Phillies are perhaps the most likely landing spot of all for Trea Turner... His close friendship with Bryce Harper. Trea would love to play with Bryce again."pic.twitter.com/QtgrWQxklt
— Russ Joy (@JoyOnBroad) November 10, 2022
Turner and Harper played together on the Washington Nationals several seasons ago and clearly have a strong bond still. Morosi said Turner would “love” to play with Harper again.
Obviously, there is a lot more to go into the decision on both sides to agree to a contract than simply friendships, but it does give the Phillies a leg-up that no other team can say they have.
Around the league, other teams have to be disappointed to hear this news. It makes the Yankees decision to not even decide to try to pursue Bryce Harper when he was a free agent look incredibly silly. The fact that Harper has led his team to a World Series and now is attracting other high-tier free agents makes him such a good signing by the Phillies.
While the Yankees don’t appear to be one of the Turner front-runners, it speaks to a massive problem within their organization in general with star-chasing since Hal Steinbrenner took over the team.
But back to the Phillies, Turner would be a great get, and it would surely make them a favorite to get back to the World Series after winning the National League this season. It would be even better if they could find a way to also add Carlos Rodon, which sounds like it could be in the cards for Philly.
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