The Phillies parting ways with Jean Segura could signal a Trea Turner signing.
The hot stove is heating up for the Philadelphia Phillies. And things are especially picking up steam for one of this offseason’s most coveted players — two-time All-Star infielder Trea Turner.
In a recent radio interview, The Athletic’s Jayson Stark had this to say:
Trea Turner to the Phillies? @jaysonst on 97.5 The Fanatic just now.
— David Grzybowski (@DavidGrzyTV) November 9, 2022
“There’s some interesting rumblings Trea Turner wants to be here.”
Video: @NBCSPhilly pic.twitter.com/IQT8PX8CdC
That is music to Phillies fans’ ears. Since the team’s World Series Game 6 loss to the Houston Astros, fans are looking for the types of moves they believe will lead the team back to Red October.
Potentially adding a player of Turner’s caliber to a Phillies lineup already prone to hit the long ball is incredibly enticing. Needless to say, he would give Phillies manager Rob Thomson more options at the top of the lineup. Plus, he could also offer some much-needed protection for Bryce Harper — one of his former Washington Nationals teammates.
Signing Turner would be a step in the right direction. With the Phillies declining Jean Segura’s club option, the team is poised to make a big splash in free agency. Turner would likely replace Bryson Stott at shortstop, with Stott moving to second base.
It’s an interesting comparison to make between Segura and Turner. Their WARs are 1.8 and 4.9, respectively — so it would be a definite upgrade. Further, in 2022, Turner hit .298 with 21 home runs, 100 RBI, and a .343 on-base percentage (OBP) for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Meanwhile, Segura hit .277 with 10 home runs, 33 RBI, and a .336 OBP in red pinstripes.
It became abundantly evident during the World Series that a lack of protection for Harper is easily exploited. Nick Castellanos allowed Houston’s pitching staff to pitch around Harper at times — without a threat behind him.
This seems to be a solid matchup — and slam dunk for President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski. Hopefully, signing Turner is among the first moves for the Phillies this offseason as they attempt to make another deep postseason run in 2023.