Padres’ plan for Trea Turner fails as Phillies nab superstar SS

The San Diego Padres might be plotting something big in the 2022-23 MLB offseason, as they have been linked to superstars like Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Trea Turner. With the championship window very much open, the Padres are going all-in on their young core.

Despite the fact that they have a very crowded infield and the disadvantage of some of the worst taxes in the country, San Diego was trying their hardest to sell their former top prospect of the idea of joining a young, fun team who could be a team to watch for the next decade.

Unfortunately, Turner has not been as receptive to San Diego’s overtures. Not only did decide to leave the NL West, but he’s joining a rival contender who may have the most destructive lineup in the National League from top to bottom. He left the Dodgers, yes, but where he landed still stings.

Turner has agreed to a contract with the Philadelphia Phillies, giving them three big names at the top of their lineup alongside Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber. The deal is an 11-year, $300 million whopper with a full no-trade clause. Turner is likely going to be a Phillie for the remainder of his MLB career.

The San Diego Padres missed out on Trea Turner.

Turner was picked 13th overall by the Padres in the 2014 MLB Draft before being traded to the Nationals in the multi-faceted Wil Myers move. Since then, Turner has hit .302 while showing double-digit home run power and standing out as arguably the fastest player in the game.

Turner always seemed like a long shot for San Diego, as Fernando Tatis Jr. is going to return to the Padres lineup and Ha-Seong Kim figures to have some sort of role. Moving one of them to the outfield could have made sense, as bats like this are very rarely available on the open market.

While the Padres are trying everything they can to overtake the now depleted Dodgers in the NL West, the reigning league champions in Philly may move into favorite status after adding Turner. With Turner and Harper locked in long-term, that contender isn’t going anywhere.

While the Padres are still very much in on Xander Bogaerts and one of many veterans from the reigning champion Astros, seeing Turner move to a contender like this has to worry A.J. Preller. The gauntlet known as the NL just got even more difficult after poaching Turner.

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