Padres meet with shortstop Trea Turner twice in possible free agent splash

The Padres made the most important commerce splash of final season when with a blockbuster deal for Juan Soto. Now it appears like they could possibly be making one other large transfer this offseason.

Dodgers free agent shortstop Trea Turner met with the Padres twice, based on The Athletic, forward of subsequent week’s winter conferences, which additionally occur to be happening in San Diego — although Turner’s conferences with the staff reportedly didn't happen there.

The opportunity of Turner, who might include a $300 million price ticket, going to the Padres is notable on a number of fronts.

For one, they have already got two shortstops in Fernando Tatis and Ha-Seong Kim, although Tatis is presently suspended for violating MLB’s PED coverage and gained’t be out there till a minimum of April 20. For one more, they have already got two gamers — Tatis and Manny Machado — signed to $300 million offers.

Soto, who rejected the Nationals’ 15-year, $440 million earlier than being dealt, can even in fact fetch a hefty contract. Although he gained’t be a free agent till after the 2024 season, contract extension talks with San Diego look like within the works.

Trea Turner, who spent the final two seasons with the Dodgers, has met twice with the Padres.

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“I don’t suppose it’s a query of ‘if’ they’ll do this,” Soto’s agent Scott Boras instructed reporters final month. “I believe the query is how they do this. I’m positive earlier than they traded for him, they'd numerous that in thoughts.”

Turner going to the Padres, in the meantime, would mark his second stint with the group. The 29-year-old two-time All-Star was traded from San Diego to the Nationals in 2015 because the staff puzzled whether or not Turner, then only a prospect, would totally develop on offense and protection.

Taking part in alongside Soto might additionally pique Turner’s curiosity. The 2 spent components of 4 seasons alongside one another in Washington and he has publicly acknowledged that Soto is somebody he’d get pleasure from enjoying with once more.

Final season, Turner boasted a slash line of .328/.375/.536 with 28 homers and 32 stolen bases.

There will probably be loads of suitors for Turner, together with the Phillies, however it’s clear that San Diego is keen to spend.