The Case for Trea Turner in Brewer Gold

For the second straight season, a handful of star shortstops are testing their luck in free agency. With Willy Adames already handling the everyday shortstop duties, it doesn’t seem likely that the Brewers will be making a move for any of them. However, Trea Turner is too perfect of an opportunity to pass up.

The Brewers' offense was plagued with inconsistency during the 2022 season. Trea Turner was not. Turner slashed .298/.343/.466 in 2022 and was a vital piece of a juggernaut Dodgers team. He also earned himself another All-Star selection and a Silver Slugger to boot. It’s safe to say at just 29 years of age, Trea Turner is one of the star infielders in baseball. 

As of now, Turner stands to sign a contract that could net him upwards of $35 million annually. Still, a true five-tool player entering the prime of his career, it shouldn't be a surprise that Turner is also looking for a lengthy deal. The Milwaukee Brewers have never once spent that level of money, but now could be the time to do so. There’s no question the front office would have to pull some strings. Whether it would be making trades to clear up salary space, or an unusually structured contract, there are ways to lure star players to any franchise. It's not likely, but there is always a slight chance, as evidenced by Minnesota's last-minute acquisition of Carlos Correa in an opt-out-laden deal during Spring Training of 2022.

Why Turner? Turner is one the best contact hitters in the sport, has solid power for a middle infielder, is a gold glove-caliber fielder, and is one of the fastest players in the league. With Turner, you're getting a proven star with little downside. The numbers are there to support it too, and Turner has the accolades to back it up, with multiple all-star appearances and silver slugger to his name. Not to mention, Turner’s been present on baseball's brightest stage, too, as he was a key piece on the Nationals championship run in 2019. Given the Brewers' lack of offensive consistency and desire to compete over the next two years as Corbin Burnes, Willy Adames, and Brandon Woodruff approach free agency, Turner could be the perfect sparkplug to sit atop the lineup and complement the right-handed Christian Yelich.

What if, by some miracle, the Brewers pull off a deal with Turner? It’ll mean two things. The infield will likely be shaken up, with at least one currently-rostered player standing to lose playing time. Turner has shown the ability to play both middle infield positions, as well as center field. Should the Brewers sign him, decisions will have to be made about who plays and when. More importantly, the Brewers will have finally made the marquee move they’ve been missing in the past two seasons. With other NL Central teams looking to add this offseason, adding a player the caliber of Turner could send the message that the Brewers wish to continue to compete. The value of that can’t be understated.

Would you like to see Turner in a Brewers uniform? What do you think it’ll take? Let us hear your thoughts below!