Phillies linked to adding All-Star shortstop this outdoor season originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
The Phillies were red hot in the month of June and were back in the playoff chase this month with an 18-6 record. But it’s never too early to think about the next steps the team could take.
According to a report, the Phillies have the inside track on a big name to fill an important spot.
USA Today MLB columnist Bob Nightengal wrote: that he spoke to “several talent evaluators” who believe All-Star shortstop Trea Turner will sign with the Phillies after the 2022 season.
The free-agent shortstop market will be crazy again this winter with an All-Star cast of Treat Turner, Carlos Correa, Xander Bogaerts and Dansby Swanson all potentially available.
Several talent evaluators predict that Turner, who is from Florida, will return east and eventually sign with the Phillies, leaving Correa with the Dodgers or Cubs.
That would be a very tasty addition to an already stacked offensive lineup.
Bryce Harper, who has never been shy about publicly urging his bosses to add talent, played with Turner in the Nationals from 2015 to 2018.
He would definitely be an upgrade in that spot, which is currently owned by Didi Gregorius with a salary of $15.25 million. Behind him, rookie Bryson Stott is miles away from a daily start at the highest level.
Turner, who turns 29 in two days, leads all shortstops this season in batting average (.313), hits (90) and extra-base hits (29). The final year of his contract with the Dodgers pays him $21 million. His next deal will not be a quantum leap from the deal Gregorius signed before the 2020 season.
The team could also come under Jean Segura’s contract with a $1 million buyout – a $16 million savings – and push Stott to second base, where he could be the regular starter or platoon with a right-hander. utility.
He also fills a gap that the Phillies have desperately needed for several seasons: a bona fide prototypical modern leadoff hitter. A player who can not only change the game with his agility and speed, but can also provide a good dose of pop from that spot.
Putting Turner at the top of the lineup would make the middle of the lineup even stronger, making it even more formidable. Consider this possibility:
1. SS Trea Turner
2. 1B Rhys Hoskins
3. RF Bryce Harper
4. DH Nick Castellanos
5. LF Kyle Schwarber
6. C JT Realmuto
It would be hard to find a better lineup one through six.
A lot could happen between now and this winter, but Phillies fans will be on the lookout over the coming months if there’s anything behind this report.