Padres eyeing another superstar in free agency to continue aggressive build
By Tim Boyle
The San Diego Padres have reportedly already met with one of the top MLB free agents twice this offseason.
The San Diego Padres have entered the free agent shortstop chat. They’re eyeing another superstar in free agency. It’s someone they got to know well over the last year and a half. In case you forgot, he’d also be a reunion candidate.
Trea Turner, now formerly of the Los Angeles Dodgers, is on the Padres’ wish list. They’re reportedly already met with him twice. Could a third time be the charm?
The Padres have had two in-person meetings with Trea Turner, sources tell me and @Ken_Rosenthal. San Diego appears to have legitimate interest in signing the star shortstop. https://t.co/cr5ndYmYug
— Dennis Lin (@dennistlin) December 3, 2022
Stealing Turner away from the Dodgers would be a win. Adding Turner to the offense, already powered by Manny Machado and Juan Soto, could give San Diego the push they need to come within striking distance of being an early National League West favorite.
The Padres have become a surprising suitor for free agents like Trea Turner
No one would have ever imagined the Padres to have much of a need at shortstop. Fernando Tatis Jr. won himself a hefty contract which has already taken a turn for the worst. An offseason injury ahead of the 2022 season involving a motorcycle was the first major blow. The second was a PED suspension handed down in August.
The Padres are locked into Tatis for several more years but could always decide to move him to the outfield or even first base. They know they won’t have him to kick off the 2023 campaign. Turner, at shortstop, is one of the best available options for them to ignite an offense that was largely carried by Machado in 2022.
Turner was drafted by the Padres back in 2014 but ended up with the Washington Nationals in a three-team deal also involving the Tampa Bay Rays. The massive number of players dealt in this deal helped reshape the future of three franchises. Considering Turner and the Nationals are the only pairing with a championship since this 2015 trade, it’s clear who the winner was.
The anemic Padres offense would get a major boost at the top of the lineup with Turner. With several other pressing needs on the roster, this one would at least secure them a multi-faceted stud.
San Diego has also been rumored to have an interest in Xander Bogaerts as well. Landing him or Turner would be a huge win.
Next. Latest Trea Turner rumors are worst-case scenario for Dodgers fans. dark