By Jennifer Newell


     ⦁   Overview of Trea Turner's career and why the Dodgers were interested in him
     ⦁   Reasons why the Dodgers might have passed on signing Turner
     ⦁   Potential consequences of not signing Turner, such as missing out on a potential All-Star shortstop
     ⦁   How other teams may have benefited from the decision to not sign Turner
     ⦁   What could have happened if the Dodgers had made an offer for Turner
     ⦁   Analysis of how this situation affects future decisions for both players and teams alike
     ⦁   Final thoughts on what might happen next with regards to Trea Turner's career


Overview of Trea Turner's career and why the Dodgers were interested in him

On his first day at Dodger Stadium, shortly after the 2021 trade deadline, he expressed it while wearing the iconic blue of the club. He reiterated it again on Monday, this time dressed in Philadelphia Phillies red, during his first visit back to Chavez Ravine after leaving in the past offseason.

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Trea Turner, who has connections to Florida and the East Coast, expressed interest in staying with the Dodgers for the long run during the past winter. He considered the possibility of being a part of the thriving team in Los Angeles during the prime of his career.


Reasons why the Dodgers might have passed on signing Turner

According to Turner, the Dodgers were among the teams that he had high interest in. However, he ultimately ended up with a different outcome.

The Dodgers did not keep Turner on the team. This has happened a lot in recent years when talented players leave the team. Last year, they tried to get an agreement with Turner but could not make it work.


Potential consequences of not signing Turner, such as missing out on a potential All-Star shortstop

In winter, Turner was allowed to play for any team. The Dodgers did not offer him any money before he signed with the Phillies. He stayed with them for 11 years and earned $300 million. Turner said that he had spoken to the Dodgers in spring training last year, but it didn't work out. He knew the Dodgers wouldn't hire him in the winter. It can be hard when things don't work out, but it's just part of business.

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It appears that the best time for the Dodgers and Turner to reach a contract extension was before last season.


This was due to Turner's impressive performance in 2021, where he won the National League batting title, and because he was entering a contract season with a strong team. Turner mentioned that he had conversations with the team about a possible contract extension at that time and also discussed the possibility with his family. However, no official offer was made.

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“They assured me they would pursue me in free agency,” he stated.


The player thought that he would not stay in the club, but still hoped that they would try to ask him to return in the future, the industry has changed, now more and more decides the reputation of the player in the audience, many people bet and play slots in online casinos India real money and clubs understand this.


How other teams may have benefited from the decision to not sign Turner

However, when the time for free agency arrived after a 2022 season where he hit .298 with 21 home runs and 100 RBIs (although his on-base-plus-slugging percentage was his lowest in four years), it became evident that the offers he received were greater than what the Dodgers were willing to offer.

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The club didn't show much interest in keeping him during his free agency. The Dodgers spoke with him only a few times over several months and did not offer him a contract. Meanwhile, the San Diego Padres made a late push, but ultimately Turner signed a large contract with the Phillies. Turner considered staying with the Dodgers, but when they didn't offer the right numbers, he moved on.


What could have happened if the Dodgers had made an offer for Turner

The outcome was not surprising. In Philadelphia, Turner was able to reunite with several of his former Washington Nationals teammates and coaches, including Bryce Harper (who will make his season debut Tuesday after offseason Tommy John surgery), Kyle Schwarber, and hitting coach Kevin Long, and also move back East.

Despite a chance for cost savings and switching to Gavin Lux as their primary shortstop, which didn't work out due to Lux's knee injury, the Dodgers may have a future solution at that position once Lux is back next year. However, Turner noticed that the Dodgers didn't seem to prioritize this move.


Analysis of how this situation affects future decisions for both players and teams alike

According to Turner, he was not surprised or disappointed with the decision made by the team. He praised the president of baseball operations, Andrew Friedman, for being honest with him about the team's situation. Turner appreciated the clear communication from the team during his time there.

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However, he did express that the team's lack of interest felt similar to being traded


"He said, 'It's natural to feel like they didn't want you when you've played there before.' However, he also believes it's not entirely fair to think this way. As he keeps stating, it's just the reality of the business that things may not work out sometimes. While it would be nice to receive mutual affection and support, he feels that he developed good relationships during his time there and enjoyed it."


Final thoughts on what might happen next with regards to Trea Turner's career

On Monday, while sitting in the visiting dugout of Dodger Stadium, Turner himself seemed uncertain about what he would do if the Dodgers put in a strong effort to bring him back and offered him the opportunity to turn his successful year and a half with the team into something more significant.





Although he reminisced about his time with the Dodgers and had fond memories with them, he would have considered another West Coast team, especially one he enjoyed playing for and was familiar with. He mentioned the Padres had pursued him for his signature. Unfortunately, it didn't work out, but it would not have been an easy no.